Promoting Innovation
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To help foster an environment of continuous innovation, Microsoft provides a broad range of policies, programs, and products that are focused on our commitment to responsible and ethical business practices that promote user choice, industry opportunity, interoperability, and transparency. Microsoft strives to maintain the highest standards in every aspect of business while looking for innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers. This means partnering with governments, communities, and other businesses around the world on digital inclusion; investing in long-term research that makes possible new breakthroughs in science and technology; and nurturing local innovation that expands social and economic opportunities for communities worldwide. "Technology is an extremely powerful tool, a grand enabler of human imagination, innovation, creativity, and productivity. Creating innovation with real impact, listening carefully to what our customers want, and creating amazing products that are going to benefit as many other people on the planet as possible—that's really the reason Microsoft exists. Innovation is the lifeblood of our business." On This PagePoliciesPrograms Products PoliciesInteroperability: Connecting People, Data, and Diverse SystemsMicrosoft takes a customer-focused approach to interoperability, striving to respond to customers' needs of optimizing performance while reducing costs and complexity. Through community collaboration, through alliances with competing companies and technologies, and by providing access to Microsoft technology, we're creating partnerships to help provide products and solutions that work well with those of other companies and the open source community. Windows Principles: Empowering Consumer Choice and OpportunityMicrosoft developed the Windows Principles as a set of voluntary, self-regulatory guidelines to inform developers and users on the development of the Windows operating system. These principles can help provide the industry and consumers with the benefits of ongoing innovation while also creating and preserving opportunities for competition. Intellectual Property: Enabling IP Opportunity and InnovationMicrosoft respects the intellectual property rights of other innovators and works to develop technology solutions to help protect those rights. In addition, Microsoft shares its own intellectual property to help promote innovation and assist and inspire the creative work of others. Accessibility: Creating Technology Solutions for All PeopleTo deliver on the Microsoft corporate mission, Microsoft strives to build technology for everyone, including those who experience physical difficulties or disabilities. We develop software and tools that make it easier for people to see, hear, and use their personal computers, and we never stop working to make Windows an outstanding platform that other companies can use to develop accessible technologies. ProgramsMicrosoft Innovation CentersMicrosoft Innovation Centers provide communities with a comprehensive set of programs and services that help expand workforce skills, create jobs, strengthen innovation, and improve competitiveness. Microsoft is committed to extending its investment in the innovation centers and has plans to double the current 100 centers to 200 by 2009. Microsoft Imagine CupThe Imagine Cup gives high school and college students from around the world a chance to innovate and create. Imagine Cup contestants have the chance to give their ideas exposure, gain practical experience, and stretch the limits of their imagination in creating solutions that have real-world applications. 
Microsoft ResearchResearch fosters local innovation. Microsoft is funding the following programs to gather more information and promote new solutions to the problem of ensuring global access to technology:
Partnerships for Technology AccessPartnerships for Technology Access (PTA) is a global program that brings affordable and relevant technology to citizens and to micro- and small-business owners who couldn't otherwise afford a computer. PTA works with governments and local partners, and these public and private partnerships are the foundation of PTA programs that deliver solutions to meet citizen needs, invigorate markets, and help achieve public policy goals. More than 50 PTA programs have been established around the world. Microsoft Local Language ProgramAt Microsoft, we believe that people and their communities are more likely to benefit from technology when it is available in their native language. We are committed to supporting our software in many languages so that the identity of communities can continue to thrive. In addition to the 36 international languages supported in desktop software offerings, Microsoft is encouraging growth of local IT economies and providing software in 61 languages through the Local Language Program.
Shared AccessIt can be difficult to provide affordable, reliable computer technology in underserved areas of the world, particularly rural areas. Microsoft is committed to finding ways to create sustainable access for people in these areas so that they can benefit from information and communication technology. These shared access efforts include a community site and a book focused on providing frameworks, best practices, and case studies to guide sustainable and scalable approaches to telecenter development.
Refurbished ComputersIn partnership with established refurbishment centers, Microsoft is working to provide high-quality refurbished computers that can be used to benefit the educational needs of underserved communities. Microsoft has developed the following programs for refurbished computers:
ProductsWindows VistaMicrosoft developed the Windows Vista operating system according to the Windows Principles, guidelines that support choice for computer manufacturers and customers, opportunity for developers, and interoperability for users.
Starter Editions of WindowsThe Starter editions of Windows offer first-time computer users in developing technology markets affordable and easy-to-use computers with a variety of basic features. Tailored to local markets and available in local languages with customized support, these Starter editions are compatible with a wide range of Windows-based applications and devices. Windows XP Starter Edition is currently available in 24 languages in 139 countries. Windows Vista Starter is available in 59 languages in 139 countries. FlexGoA variety of factors make it difficult for many people in underserved markets to purchase a computer. The FlexGo technology platform provides people in these areas with purchasing options that are tailored to their needs. FlexGo is currently implemented in trial programs in Brazil, India, and Mexico.
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