Microsoft has joined the publishing world with the launch of its 8080 Books label, an initiative that aims to revolutionize the way books are conceived and brought to market. Taking its name from the legendary 8080 microprocessor, the cornerstone of the company's early software advances, this publisher seeks to combine the speed of modern technologies with the depth and impact of traditional books.
The main objective of 8080 Books is to publish original research, transformative ideas and unique perspectives at the intersection of science, technology and business. With this commitment, the technology company best known for its software innovation now wants to contribute to the advancement of discourse on issues relevant to society.
A new way to publish books
One of the most notable features of this publisher is the way it reduces publication times.. 8080 Books has developed a model that allows a book to be brought to market in just three months from the time the manuscript is complete, offering a more agile alternative to traditional processes that can take up to nine months or more.
The publisher's first book, entitled No Prize for Pessimism, is written by Sam Schillace, Microsoft’s deputy chief technology officer. In the text, Schillace celebrates optimism as an essential driver of innovation and analyzes, through his personal experience, how adopting a positive mindset can open new doors in the technological field.
The second title is planned, Platform Mindset, by Marcus Fontoura, will be available before the end of the year. This book examines collaboration as a key to developing successful technological platforms and has already had a previous edition in Portuguese, published in Brazil.
A more than business approach
8080 Books is not a for-profit project. Revenue generated will be reinvested in the publisher or donated to charities through Microsoft Philanthropies, further cementing the company's philanthropic commitment. According to Steve Clayton, vice president of communications, and Greg Shaw, senior director of communications for the CEO, the publisher will also consider reissuing out-of-print books that are relevant to today's leaders.
Another distinctive feature is its openness to outside minds. Although many of the initial authors will come from Microsoft, the label's intention is to give visibility to voices and ideas outside the company as well, exploring a broader terrain of creativity and innovation.
Technological innovation applied to books
8080 Books is not only innovating in publishing times, but also in methods. Among its proposals is the use of artificial intelligence to identify emerging trends within the literary market. In addition, Sam Schillace, author of the first book, has developed a personalized GPT that allows readers to interact directly with the content of his work.
The publisher also works with Ingram for print-on-demand and distribution services, ensuring that its titles reach both independent bookstores and online retail giants like Amazon. However, they clarified that they are not accepting unsolicited manuscripts for now.
A unique editorial profile
Initial topics to be covered by 8080 Books include technology and the future, business processes and productivity, and social issues. related to law, ethics and public policy. This focus reflects Microsoft’s strategic approach to using its expertise to deliver content that not only informs, but also generates debate around crucial issues.
In the words of Clayton and Shaw, “creating and sustaining an idea over thousands of words maintains an intellectual weight that other forms of communication simply do not achieve.” They therefore consider books to be the ideal medium for exploring complex ideas with depth and rigor.
Microsoft has previously worked in publishing through Microsoft Press, which mainly focused on technical manuals. However, with 8080 Books, the company is taking a significant leap towards a more cultural and strategic approach.
The launch of 8080 Books makes it clear that Microsoft is ready to change the rules of the game in the publishing industryWith a model that combines speed, rigor and social responsibility, the company seeks to open a new page in the way we consume and think about books.