| Type | Operating unit of Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer software |
| Founded | January 7, 1997 |
| Headquarters | Redmond, Washington, USA |
| Key people | Eric Wilfred (General Manager) |
| Products | Microsoft Office Microsoft Messenger Remote Desktop Client |
| Revenue | $350 million (2008)[1] |
| Employees | 180 (2008)[1] |
| Website | www.microsoft.com/mac/ |
Macintosh Business Unit (informally known as Mac BU or MacBU) is an operating unit of Microsoft that, as of 2009, is the largest software developer outside of Apple Inc. for the Mac OS operating system.[2] Formed on January 7, 1997 (with release of Mac OS 7.6),[3] it was formerly situated within Microsoft's Specialized Devices and Applications Group inside the Entertainment and Devices Division.[2][4], with it now being inside the Microsoft Office division.
Contents |
Prior to the Mac BU, Microsoft had developed Macintosh software – in fact, dating to 1984 when Microsoft released Word 1.0 for Macintosh. However, with the rise and dominance of Windows in the 1990s, there have been fears that Microsoft might stop developing Macintosh versions of key products, notably Microsoft Office. Thus, Mac BU was established in 1997 with a five-year commitment by Microsoft to continue developing and supporting Macintosh software – a pledge most recently renewed on January 10, 2006 at the Macworld Conference & Expo. Roz Ho served as the General Manager (GM) from December 18, 2002 to June 8, 2007, at which point Craig Eisler became the GM.[5][6]
Mac BU develops Macintosh versions of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Messenger, and Remote Desktop Client.[7] Previously developed software by the Mac BU include Internet Explorer (development ceased in 2003),[8] Virtual PC,[9] and the MSN for Mac OS X browser (cancelled May 31, 2005).[10]