Microsoft Corp Chief Executive Steve Ballmer (R) launches a new software platform for distance education, as Anand Sudarshan, chief executive of India's Manipal University, watches during a news conference in Mumbai May 12, 2009. Ballmer on Tuesday said speculation the company may buy German software firm SAP was a 'random rumour.' Microsoft, the world's top software firm, on Monday sold a $3.75 billion debt issue, sparking talk that it could be readying a bid for the German firm. Reuters Pictures 6 months ago

Microsoft Corp Chief Executive Steve Ballmer (R) launches a new software platform for distance education, as Anand Sudarshan, chief executive of India's Manipal University, watches during a news conference in Mumbai May 12, 2009. Ballmer on Tuesday said speculation the company may buy German software firm SAP was a 'random rumour.' Microsoft, the world's top software firm, on Monday sold a $3.75 billion debt issue, sparking talk that it could be readying a bid for the German firm.

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  1. MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 07: Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer addresses the media during a news conference on October 7, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Ballmer talked about the upcoming launch of the new Windows 7 computer operating system.
  2. MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 07: Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer looks on during a news conference on October 7, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Ballmer talked about the upcoming launch of the new Windows 7 computer operating system.
  3. MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 07: Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer looks on during a news conference on October 7, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Ballmer talked about the upcoming launch of the new Windows 7 computer operating system.
  4. MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 07: Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer addresses the media during a news conference on October 7, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Ballmer talked about the upcoming launch of the new Windows 7 computer operating system.
  5. MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 07: Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer addresses the media during a news conference on October 7, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Ballmer talked about the upcoming launch of the new Windows 7 computer operating system.
  6. MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 07: Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer addresses the media during a news conference on October 7, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Ballmer talked about the upcoming launch of the new Windows 7 computer operating system.
  7. MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 07: Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer looks on during a news conference on October 7, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Ballmer talked about the upcoming launch of the new Windows 7 computer operating system.
  8. MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 07: Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer is dazzled by spotlights while addressing the media during a news conference on October 7, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Ballmer talked about the upcoming launch of the new Windows 7 computer operating system.
  9. MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 07: Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer addresses the media during a news conference on October 7, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Ballmer talked about the upcoming launch of the new Windows 7 computer operating system.
  10. MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 07: Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer looks on during a news conference on October 7, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Ballmer talked about the upcoming launch of the new Windows 7 computer operating system.
  11. MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 07: Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer looks on during a news conference on October 7, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Ballmer talked about the upcoming launch of the new Windows 7 computer operating system.
  12. MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 07: Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer addresses the media during a news conference on October 7, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Ballmer talked about the upcoming launch of the new Windows 7 computer operating system.
  13. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer gestures during a news conference to present the new Windows 7 operating system in Munich October 7, 2009. Microsoft's release of its new. Windows 7 operating system is expected to increase demand for personal computers only slightly, Chief Executive Steve Ballmer told journalists in Munich on Wednesday. Major new software updates from Microsoft, whose Windows operating system runs about 90 percent of the world's PCs, are in general eagerly awaited by computer makers who hope for a sales boost.
  14. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer holds a news conference to present the new Windows 7 operating system in Munich October 7, 2009. Microsoft's release of its new Windows 7 operating system is expected to increase demand for personal computers only slightly, Chief Executive Steve Ballmer told journalists in Munich on Wednesday. Major new software updates from Microsoft, whose Windows operating system runs about 90 percent of the world's PCs, are in general eagerly awaited by computer makers who hope for a sales boost.
  15. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer gestures during a news conference to present the new Windows 7 operating system in Munich October 7, 2009. Microsoft's release of its new. Windows 7 operating system is expected to increase demand for personal computers only slightly, Chief Executive Steve Ballmer told journalists in Munich on Wednesday. Major new software updates from Microsoft, whose Windows operating system runs about 90 percent of the world's PCs, are in general eagerly awaited by computer makers who hope for a sales boost.
  16. MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 07: Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer addresses the media during a news conference on October 7, 2009 in Munich, Germany. Ballmer talked about the upcoming launch of the new Windows 7 computer operating system.

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