CEO Ballmer

Microsoft execs told analysts that the company plans to spend boatloads of cash, including to compete against its web-based competitors, but said it hopes for a return on investment.

Speaking to financial analysts at a daylong meeting, Microsoft explained where its investments would be going in the next few years to expand entertainment offerings, compete against the likes of Google and Yahoo, and enter areas such as advanced communications technologies, reports the Associated Press.

CEO Steve Ballmer said the company is ready to adapt to industry changes with initiatives underway to offer more web-based software and services, including its adCenter advertising platform and the new "Live" web products.

Execs also said Vista, the new version of Windows, is on track to ship to businesses in November and consumers in January. But, they added, if quality issues arise, there may be delays.

"I think they're trying to gain the sympathies of this population so that they don't get punished too badly for going into investment mode," said Endpoint Technologies Associates analyst Roger Kay.

Prior coverage:

- Another Microsoft Exec Defects to Google
- MSN Launches AdLab Site for Search Marketers
- Windows Live Exec Taylor Departs from Microsoft
- Scoble Leaves Microsoft, Joins Video Podcast Startup
- Google to Debut Web-Based Spreadsheet Program- Microsoft Testing 'Active Search,' Contextual Ads in Mail Desktop
- Microsoft Launches OneCare PC Security Service
- Google Introduces New Apps, Takes Shot at Microsoft
- Microsoft Opens up Windows Live Messenger, Offers VoIP
- Microsoft to Spend $1.1 Billion to Catch up with Google
- Microsoft's Live Drive to Challenge Google's Gdrive
- It's About Time: Google Calendar Launched
- Gates: Yes, We Get It, the Future Is Online
- Microsoft: Web's Largest Advertising Network in Works, Ad Testing Begins
- Google Buys Web-based Word Processing Startup
- Microsoft's Expo Live Classifieds Service Goes Live
- MSN AdCenter Still Getting Better Results than Google, Yahoo
- Microsoft's New adLabs Develops Video Hyperlink Ads
- Microsoft, Google Settle Kai-Fu Lee Suit
- Windows Live Local Now Open for Business
- Microsoft Testing Windows Live Mail
- Microsoft Announces Ad-Supported Web-based Applications
- Microsoft's Ballmer: 'I'm going to…kill Google'