Software Developers Addicted To Challenge

David Cole celebrated the completion of Windows 95 in a fashion typical for a Microsoft Corp. manager: with a leisurely ride on his motorcycle through the carpeted halls of Building 5 at Microsoft’s headquarters here in suburban Seattle.

Cole, at least, was able to restrain himself. Elsewhere, employees uprooted plants, splashed through a fountain and turned a nearby atrium into the setting for a gargantuan food fight.

The occasion was the day in July when Cole and other members of the Windows development team finished work on the new operating software.

“There was a lot of sheer ecstasy in the hallway that day,” said Cole, the 33-year-old general manager of the Windows development team. “There were also some people who were in disbelief because we were finally there. It was a very exciting time, to say the least.”

In keeping with its unorthodox corporate philosophy, Microsoft rewarded its employees by splurging on 170 bottles of Dom Perignon champagne and temporarily suspending the rules of managerial conduct. With the bubbly pouring faster than a digital modem, it took only a few hours before developers had turned the place upside down.

For the 400 members of Win95, July 14 was the end of a four-year endurance test.

“For about the last seven or eight months, it had just gotten grueling,” said development manager Dennis Adler. “We were all really frantic and really energetic.

“And part of that is the Microsoft culture. There are very few limitations on getting your job done and consequently, since it’s very task-oriented here, nothing is impossible. Therefore, projects like this can get done a lot quicker and better than in any other environment.”

Upon reaching the finish line, others said they began to reflect on the significance of their accomplishment.

“This is without a doubt the most incredible thing I’ve ever done in my life,” said Laura Butler, 25, a software developer. “We’ve removed so many barriers for so many people all over the planet to use computers and not be scared anymore.”

With the fruits of their labor finally reaching the consumer, many of the developers recognize that as one cycle ends, another one is lying in wait.

“It’s really scary to think that, despite all the personal sacrifice, I think everyone on the team wants to do it again,” Cole said. “We’re addicted to the challenge. We’re happy to do it again, and we probably will.”