About Microsoft Unlimited Potential

Microsoft began with the vision of a computer on every desk and in every home. Thirty years ago this seemed impossible. Today, for the more than 1 billion people who have access to technology, life has changed profoundly: Information is more readily available, connections are more easily made, and commercial trade is more efficient and accessible. For the more than 5 billion people who still do not have access to the technology that brings new opportunities to learn, connect, create, and prosper, there is still much to accomplish.

The Microsoft mission: Enable sustained social and economic opportunity for another 5 billion people

Microsoft Unlimited Potential aligns Microsoft technologies, partnerships, business, and corporate citizenship efforts to bring the benefits of information and communications technology to the 5 billion people who currently do not have access to it. With Unlimited Potential, Microsoft is committed to helping all people benefit from information and communications technology that is accessible, affordable, and relevant to their needs. Setting an initial goal of reaching 1 billion people by 2015, Microsoft is partnering with governments, industry partners, nongovernmental organizations, educators, and academics to enable new avenues of social and economic empowerment for the underserved populations of the world.

With particular emphasis on young people, who represent the future of our communities, Microsoft is focusing its efforts on delivering solutions in three key, interrelated areas: transforming education, fostering local innovation, and enabling jobs and opportunities.

Transforming Education

High-quality education is the foundation for success and growth. There are many challenges to providing high-quality education, including a lack of consistent, effective, and timely curriculum content; a shortage of trained, qualified teachers; and a lack of universal access to learning resources. The combination of quality content, partnerships, training, and broad access—complemented with the most appropriate technology to author, distribute, teach, and connect—can transform education.

Fostering Local Innovation

A vibrant local technology industry can contribute to strong economic growth. However, many communities lack the infrastructure and resources to help entrepreneurs establish and build new and small businesses. The right tools, training, and facilities can make a difference and can unite the inspirations of entrepreneurial individuals and communities around the world. By bringing together the creative power of local governments, independent software vendors, universities, small businesses, and investors, we can help foster an environment that encourages innovative ideas and that helps communities translate those ideas into business success.

Enabling Jobs and Opportunities

Economic opportunity can help bring prosperity, safety, and security to individuals and their families. Making economic opportunity possible for people who desire it starts with ensuring that needed skills are being developed in communities, connecting skilled people with available jobs, and managing business operations and growth in a competitive world. Microsoft is partnering with governments, nongovernmental organizations, local businesses, and academic institutions to offer technology that can help foster entrepreneurship and support job creation.

Microsoft Unlimited Potential

In 2003, Microsoft launched the Microsoft Unlimited Potential - Community Technology Skills Program. This community investment program supports community technology centers. In April 2007, Microsoft Unlimited Potential was launched as the company's expanded, integrated, and accelerated long-term global business and citizenship commitment to enable new avenues of social and economic opportunity for people who have yet to realize the benefits of technology. The work that Microsoft has done together with nongovernmental and intergovernmental organizations over the past four years has laid the foundation for this broader corporate commitment to bring technology to the next 5 billion people.