Apparently, top leaders at Microsoft have called the organization to the quest.  Over the last few years, they have set up at least seventy internal “quests” in pursuit of strategic breakthroughs.  Information has surfaced from several sources including, the Associated Press, veteran Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley, Julie Lerman (reporting in End Bracket), and several employee blogs.  However, executives themselves appear reluctant to say much to the public about the quests.

I’ve read that these quests have been championed by Gates, Ballmer and the senior vice presidents.  According to Foley, in her book Microsoft 2.0, executives have called for quests in areas that they deem important to Microsoft’s future. Information on each quest is maintained in an internal wiki where employee contributions are also captured. 

The purpose of the quests can seem a bit vague.  Ballmer said that the quests are intended to make Microsoft less dependent solely on the visions of high-placed leaders.  Other executives have described the quests as a long-term planning tool.  My guess is that Gates has a grander vision. 

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