Part 7of 7: Marking a milestone: Microsoft says thanks to employees for 10 years of success

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Ryan Babb

Doug Burgum, the former CEO of Great Plains Software, mingles Tuesday before a reception at Microsoft’s Fargo campus to celebrate its acquisition of Great Plains Software 10 years ago. Michael Vosburg / Forum Photo Editor


Kevin Turner said it in English; the slide behind him carried the message in a few dozen other languages, all directed at the architects and employees of Microsoft Fargo: Thank you.
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Part 6 of 7: How Microsoft is positioning for the future

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Ryan Babb

A fountain in the Microsoft Commons doubles as a fire pit in the winter (Dave Samson / The Forum)


Eight weeks ago, when he first set foot in Microsoft here as a new hire, Tony Geraghty got a glimpse of the past.
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Profile – Lynne Stockstad: corporate titan

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Ryan Babb
Lynne Stockstad - General manager for worldwide public sector marketing at Microsoft (Special to The Forum)

Lynne Stockstad - General manager for worldwide public sector marketing at Microsoft (Special to The Forum)

FARGO – Like many early Great Plains Software employees, Lynne Stockstad was fresh out of college, looking for a first job and unsure how long the ride was going to last.
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Part 5 of 7: Cutting through the Red Tape: Finding Success Outside Microsoft

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Ryan Babb

Mark Olson (Dave Samson / The Forum)


Amid the decor on Mark Olson’s office walls – logos, ad campaigns, and other design work highlights – hangs a framed print bearing a not-so-subtle message: “Screw Microsoft.”
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Profile – Tracy Faleide: the informal off-ramp person

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Ryan Babb

Tracy Faleide (Dave Samson / The Forum)


More than a few of Tracy Faleide’s exchanges with former co-workers go something like this:

“I’ve decided to leave Microsoft,” they’ll say.

“Can I buy you a beer?” she’ll say.
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