Gates marks anniversary of Microsoft research arm

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Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates said Tuesday that the dramatic growth of the Internet would eventually spark a software-writing revolution.

Gates, speaking at a forum to mark the 10th anniversary of the software giant's Asian research arm, said technology currently being developed would expand the way people use computers to "to encompass all interactive techniques," including touch and speech.

"People often talk about this as the Internet service revolution," Gates told a gathering of 1,600 researchers and academics in Hong Kong. "That will eventually lead to machines that have lots of server capacity, lots of low-cost computing, low-cost storage. And that will let us write software in an even more ambitious way, eliminating the last constraints we have."

Microsoft Research Asia employs more than 350 researchers and engineers, funds student fellowships and partners with more than 100 university and institutions in the region with the goal of helping Microsoft innovate and develop products.

In China, it runs joint labs with mainland and Hong Kong universities.

Gates was visiting China for the Olympic Games, attending last week's opening ceremony in Beijing, cheering on the U.S. swim team with his family and taking in other events.

Gates stepped down in June from his full-time role at Microsoft, which he co-founded.

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