Mark Taylor joined Microsoft in 1993 working in enterprise services sales. Until 2000 Mark held various executive roles including leading Microsoft Consulting Services and Product Support Services. He also led the preparation for the Year 2000 “Millennium Bug” issue. In November 2000 he moved over to start up the UK business of Avanade, the System Integrator joint-venture between Microsoft and Accenture. Within 3 years the UK business of Avanade became the most profitable and active world-wide. Avanade now employs 6000 consultants world-wide and 4500 software professionals in India. Returning to Microsoft in July 2007, Mark leads the Developer and Platform Group in the UK, which is responsible for the developer community, emerging technologies and devices, relationships with key high-profile brands, Independent Software Vendors, Further Education, Start-ups, VCs and Enthusiasts. A former developer and self-confessed gadget junkie, Mark is passionate about the role of technology and software in enabling the future.