James “Jim” Allchin
» BSECI ENGINEERING, '73
Before Dr. James “Jim” Allchin was a critically acclaimed blues-rock guitarist, songwriter and vocalist, he was shaping the future of Microsoft Corp. — and the software industry as a whole.
In 1990, Bill Gates recruited Allchin, then-senior vice president and chief technology officer of Banyan Systems, to Microsoft. He began working on the company’s networking product strategy and eventually led the development of the Windows client and server business as vice president for platforms. After the 2007 release of Windows Vista, the successor to Windows XP, Allchin retired from software to channel his lifelong passion for music.
He released his first blues-themed album, “Enigma,” in 2009, and soon after debuted “Overclocked” and “Q.E.D.,” which received widespread acclaim for Allchin’s guitar work. Both albums were featured on iTunes banner pages as new and noteworthy and in the Top 10 on Internet Blues Radio.
A distinguished alumnus, Allchin generously contributes to organizations that support education in Africa and in the U.S., protect marine environments in Indonesia and the Northwest, and provide access to clean water in many areas around the world.