I did a little digging on previous “quantum leaps” from Microsoft. Here are the highlights……or…..lowlights…….

“Some way off in the future lies a generation of technology that Microsoft promises will change the lives of every computer user. Codenamed Longhorn, it involves a complete revamp of the company’s [...] In short, it will be ‘the next _quantum leap in computing_, which will put us years ahead of any other product on the market,’ wrote Ballmer [in an email to Microsoft employees],” reports Richard Waters for The Financial Times. – http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/1641/

“_the next quantum leap_ is Next Generation Windows Services,” Ballmer said. [...] “There will be a new version of Windows, a new client, a new server, and a new set of services that will run in the _Internet cloud_,” he said. “This will provide a prog[r]amming model that focuses on the central abilities of XML.” http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB20000419S0011

Cloud indeed.

“But our industry operates on orders of magnitude, _quantum leaps_ forward. And if we can make things in _quantum leaps_ simpler with new technologies that let me speak to the computer, for example, and have it know what to do.” Ballmer on voice activated computing (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/steve/2002/03-12cebit.mspx)

“With its practical and stylistic innovations, the IntelliMouse Explorer with IntelliEye technology is a _quantum leap_ in mouse technology.” MS Press release, 1999
Anyone using their IntelliEye to scroll here?

Adding Nero to Vista?
“Nero 7 supports and enhances Windows Vista desktop experience with _quantum leap_ in multimedia technology…” Press release for vista

Motocross Madness 2?
“Motocross Madness 2 features all of the killer dirtbike action of the original, but takes a _quantum leap forward_ with entirely new gameplay depth, graphics realism, accessibility …”

Software to solve the health care crisis?
“This will move health care a _quantum leap_ closer to an exemplary system that delivers on the promise of affordable personal and population health.” (http://www.microsoft.com/industry/healthcare/businessvalue/MostWired_AligningIncentives.mspx)

Here’s my personal favorite: WINDOWS ME
“The ability to communicate and share things on the Net has taken a _quantum leap_, and Windows Me is delivering that experience in a way that feels safe and easy.” Art Pettigrue, product manager for Windows Me at Microsoft.

MS Outlook and Exchange Server 2007?
“[...] and Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 are soon to be released, and together they offer a _quantum leap_ in the realm of communication and collaboration.” Ballmer

And a close second, for favorite: POCKET PC
“And we think the new version of the Pocket PC, which were launching today, available today, really takes just an incredible _quantum leap_ forward and were very proud of the device.” – Ballmer.
Now where did I put that pocket PC again? Oh yeah! Its right here, in my pocket….

Where is Scott Bakula when you need him?