Since the idea for Microsoft Windows XP Starter Edition was first hatched in June 2003, the Microsoft team responsible for it has visited families in emerging markets around the globe, met with prime ministers and information technology government officials, forged new connections with local and international PC manufacturers and overcome linguistic challenges. Along the way, the team has helped bring computer literacy to more than 1 million families who might not have otherwise had been able to purchase or use a PC.

Will Poole has been there since the beginning. As senior vice president of Microsoft’s Market Expansion Group, Poole was part of the team that initially responded to the Thailand government’s request for help in delivering computers to underserved populations in the country. That request was the genesis of Windows XP Starter Edition, and since then Poole and his team have been inspired by the response of families around the world learning and growing with their first Windows PCs.

PressPass talked with Poole to get the story of his team’s amazing journey.