More than one hundred business people descended on the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute yesterday to participate in the global launch of a new computer operating system.

Microsoft Corporation chairman and chief software architect himself, Bill Gates, launched Microsoft Windows 2000 from special conference facilities in San Francisco in an event that was beamed around the world.

Bermuda was one of the only markets in the Microsoft Caribbean region to feature in the occasion.

The programme is said to be the most powerful and complex operating system that the Washington-based company has ever produced -- and is its most widely tested product.

It is designed for powerful desktop PCs and larger computers called servers that run databases, e-mail systems and Web sites. It is targeted at business users and others who are running large networks of computers.

Individuals and home users are recommended to wait for Windows 98's upcoming successor, the Windows Millennium Edition, which is expected to be released later this year.

Business Development Manager for the region, Lionel Sacon, said: "This event underlines the importance of Bermuda to Microsoft as part of their global market strategy and further provides the reassurance that local companies need as they move toward Internet enabling their businesses.'' He noted that the level of technology evident in Bermuda was so advanced that it mirrored the US.

The event was tailored to Bermuda with presentations from local Microsoft Certified Solution Providers, of which there are eight in Bermuda.

Mr. Sacon continued: "Microsoft Corporation is committed to its customers in Bermuda by providing the best possible support of its products through qualified local Microsoft Certified Solution Providers.'' The new Windows 2000 platform will enable the next generation of PC computing by providing customers with the ability to Internet-enable their businesses.

Bda participates in global launch of Windows 2000 They will be able to do this by using integrated Web application services, greater scalability and standards-based security services.

It will provide users with increased system uptime and a more manageable operating system to lower desktop management for servers.

In addition, it will enable knowledgeable workers to be more productive and take advantage of new devices.

Other improvements in Windows 2000 include increased stability and reliability, easy-to-use tools for network administrators to run their computer systems, better integration with other large software programmes such as databases and better power management for laptop computers. Different versions of the software are available for larger servers that run the massive databases needed for electronic commerce Web sites and Internet service providers.

Live via satellite: Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, as seen by local business people at the the BUEI yesterday for the global launch of Windows 2000.

Revealing the future: Microsoft Caribbean Business Development Manager Lionel Sacon Jr. at yesterday's launch of the Windows 2000 computer operating system at the BUEI.

BUSINESS BUC