by Larry Richman
May 15, 2007 12:20 PM

Last night was our official exclusive kickoff event for WinHEC 2007. Microsoft's Nick White hosted a dinner for a handful of Featured Community leaders and influential journalists along with a contingent of MS staffers at Roy's restaurant, a Hawaiian fusion eatery in downtown LA. The private Kona Room was all ours. This was nothing like the usual event with dozens of "us" and a few of "them." The group was about 50/50 journalists and MS folks. So it was quite informal. Most of it was just honest chat back and forth. It was probably the most relaxed, informal event I've ever attended with so many MS people in attendance which didn't feel like "work." We all had a lot of fun.

Special guests of honor were Mike Nash, Corporate Vice President for Windows Product Management, and Bill Laing, GM for Windows Server. PROnetworks readers may remember Nash from last year's WinHEC, when we had extended discussions with him about User Account Controls and security in Windows Vista. At the time, he was leaving his position in security and was unsure of his future. So it was great to catch up with him again now that he is in his new position, and to meet Laing and discuss Windows Server 2008 (formerly Longhorn Server).


Click the thumbnails to enlarge pictures


Mary Jo Foley and Mike Nash (L)
Part of the group enjoying the lavish meal (R)



Nick White and Bill Laing