Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer gives a press conference on October 6, 2009 in Paris to launch the Windows phone. Microsoft, seeking to tap into the rapidly growing smartphone market, launches new cellphones featuring a redesigned Web browser and a free service called 'My Phone', which allows users to back up contacts, messages and photos on a personal computer or the Internet. AFP

Steve Ballmer delivers a speech

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer delivers a speech during the inauguration of the French branch office of Microsoft, in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, France, Tuesday, Oct 6, 2009. AP

MS presents new software for mobile phones

Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer attends a news conference to present the new Windows Mobile operating system at the company new headquarters in Issy-les-Moulineaux, near Paris, October 6, 2009. Microsoft Corp introduced new software for mobile phones on Tuesday, promising a range of devices to compete with Apple Inc's iPhone and Research in Motion Ltd's BlackBerry. REUTERS

Inauguration of MS' new headquarters in France

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, flanked by France's Finance minister Christine Laguarde and the head of the French employers organisation Medef Laurence Parisot, listen to a speech during the inauguration of Microsoft's new headquarters in France, on October 6, 2009 in Issy-les-Moulineaux, a Paris' suburb. Ballmer unveiled today his company's line of Windows smartphones in an offensive against Apple's iPhone and Google's Android system. AFP

Steve Ballmer, Christine Lagarde

French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde, right, congratulates Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, left, during the inauguration of the French branch office of Microsoft, in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, next to Paris, Tuesday, Oct 6, 2009. AP

Steve Ballmer at inauguration of French office

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer delivers a speech during the inauguration of the French branch office of Microsoft, in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, next to Paris, Tuesday, Oct 6, 2009. AP