What follows, Gentlemen and Gentlemen (I doubt there are any ladies in here) is the first interview of Siliconbits. Vincent Bourelli kindly agreed to answer to some of my questions. Mind you that the answers are His and not those of Microsoft Mauritius or even less of Microsoft.

About Windows ME

Q1 - Basically, what is the difference between Windows ME and other members of Windows Family (Win 95/98)?

Windows Me will be the first major milestone toward advancing the vision of the Windows Division and further simplifying consumers’ computing experience. It will take steps toward achieving the goals of the Windows Division, focusing primarily on the 4 key areas: The Online Experience; Digital Media and Entertainment; Home Networking; and PC Health, or “It Just Works”

Q2 - What is the targetted audience of Windows ME, who need it most?

Windows Millennium Edition (Me) is designed specifically for home users

Q3 - What are the minimum requirements of Windows ME? What is the estimated performance gain when compared to Windows 98?

The minimum requirements are comparable to those of Windows 98 SE. With Legacy-Free and Fast-Boot compliant hardware, Windows Me is much faster that Windows 98 SE.

Q4 - What is the approximate price of Windows ME, when will be available locally? The price will be similar to Windows 98. A Step-Up upgrade at a special price will be available for Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE users only.

Q5 - Does it mean that Windows 98 is already obsolete?
Of course not!

Q6 - Nearly 8 months after the Launch of Windows 2000, many products still haven't got their W2K drivers, what is the product support for Windows ME?

Windows Me has loads of new drivers. All products appearing on Windows HCL (Hardware Compatiblity List) have their drivers for Win2K and Windows Me. For others, it's up to their manufacturer to provide a WDM driver and have it digitally signed by MS.

About the company
Q1 - Could you briefly tell us the story of Microsoft in Mauritius?

Microsoft Indian Ocean Islands regional office is based in Mauritius since 1998. It is a subsidiary office of Microsoft South East Africa (based in South Africa - Johannesburg). Its aim is to actively promote Microsoft products in the region (Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte, New Caledonia and Tahiti).

Q2 - A trap-question - Why is the price of software so high, when price of hardware has been dropping so quick?

The price of Windows usually represents only 1/10th of the price of a PC. Mauritian users have been used with piracy, so everyone wants Office 2000 at home when they use only 5% of its possibilities. There are other products such as Works or Works Suite specifically targeted to home users are very reasonable prices.

Q3 - Marc Ravaux has said that Microsoft has no intention to invest in Mauritius in terms of R&D, What could the gov. do in order to encourage Microsoft and Other IT companies to invest in R&D in Mauritius?

I am not entitled to reply on this issue.

Q4 - VIA has recently made an announcement about making cheaper PC's, starting as from US$199 for S.America, Asia and Africa where IT penetration is close to nothing. Does Microsoft has a similar pledge?

Microsoft is actively helping the growth of IT in Africa

About the future
Q1 - Have you heard of the .Net initiative of Microsoft, what do you think of it?

This is what IT is going in the next few years. For more information please visit the regional web site

Q2 - To what extent do you consider Linux to be a threat?

Most users of Linux also use Windows :)

Q3 - Any news about the X-Box?

I see on your web site that you have fresh information. Again I will direct you to the official web site

Q4 - Any news about Whistler?
Whistler will be based on the NT kernel. Many new ideas and technologies are being explored within Microsoft at any given time and we’d be doing a disservice to our customers and partners to speculate publicly. As you know, a lot can happen between conceptual discussions and the arrival of any new products

Q5 - Any news about Win64?
(No answer)

Q6 - What happened to Windows CE? Any news about it?
Microsoft is actively promoting PocketPC.

About Yourself
Q1 - What are your hobbies (IT related I mean)

A lot of browsing, Video Editing, Games (NBA Live, Fifa, Rallye Championship, ...) and music listening/making. All on PC!

Q2 - How did you enter Microsoft?

I was the GM of an IT company for six years before joining Microsoft in May 2000.

Q3 - What Machine do you use at home?

I have 2 PCs at home : 1 - Athlon 600 on Asus K7-V, 128MB, Quantum 6.4GB + IBM 37.5GB HDD, Voodoo3, Creative DVD 8X, SB Live!, 17'' Targa 2 - Duron 600 on Asus A7-V, 128MB, Quantum 20.5GB HDD, TNT2, Yamaha SCSI CD-Writer, Miro DC-10, SB Live! Platinum, 19'' Viewsonic, Fujitsu MO Drive

Q4 - Do you prefer Intel or AMD?

Do I really need to answer :)

Q5 - Have you ever met B.G, How is he?

I did not have the opportunity yet...

Q6 - What are your Favorite Websites?

I never put anything in my Favorites folder.
PS : Either he has a very good memory or he does a load of downloads. Hope he bookmarks us...

Q7 - What are your IT Qualifications?

I hold a BTS (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur) Mention Informatique de Gestion + several other product specific certificates.

Thanks Vincent for this short and somewhat brief Interview.

Siliconbits