New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani (right) applauds the launch of Windows XP with Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates. Click on the photo to download a high-resolution image. Photo by Jeff Christensen

NEW YORK, Oct. 25, 2001 — With an introduction from New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, a special appearance by television personality Regis Philbin and a keynote address from Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates, Microsoft today officially kicked off its newest operating system, Windows XP.

"Today is a great day for users and for the PC industry," Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates said in his keynote address. "With the launch of Windows XP, we are entering an exciting new era of personal computing."

"New York City is the perfect place to announce the worldwide availability of Windows XP," added Giuliani. "I want to thank all the people of New York City for welcoming us here, to congratulate them for their unbroken spirit, courage and determination, and to urge all Americans to join us in recognizing that New York is absolutely open for business."

The launch event, held this morning in Times Squares Marriott Marquis Theatre, drew 1,500 attendees and showcased the productivity, communication and entertainment experiences of Windows XP. Gates and Windows Group Senior Vice President Jim Allchin demonstrated several desktop and laptop systems running the operating system, and highlighted customers who are already using Windows XP at home and at work.

While Philbin and Windows product manager Joe Belfiore demonstrated Windows XPs device support and mobility features, Gates mingled with the crowds in Times Square, showing off the operating systems digital media and communication capabilities.

Nearby in the Experience Partner Pavilion, over 50 companies showcased a wide variety of software and peripherals designed to work with the operating system, including wired and wireless networking products, digital cameras and media players, audio and video software, scanners and printers. In a panel discussion preceding the keynote, Gates, Intel CEO Craig Barrett and other industry leaders shared their excitement and optimism for the PC industry in the coming year.

Earlier this morning, Gates joined Gateway CEO Ted Waitt and Intel CEO Craig Barrett for "Windows XP Madness" events at the Gateway Country Store and CompUSA retail store in New Yorks Columbus Circle; the executives autographed copies of the operating system for the first consumers to buy them.

Following the launch event, attendees walked to Bryant Park for a free, public performance by Sting, which drew a crowd of over 5,000.