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MICROSOFT DEFENDS COMPLIANCE EFFORT IN EUROPE
EUROPEAN COMMISSION THREATENS NEW FINES
In this issue of the FINFlash Update...
After a short recess, the FINFlash Update is back with a round-up of technology and policy news, as well as a tech tip, tech trivia and the FIN Pulse.
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LEAD STORY: MICROSOFT CONTESTS ALLEGATIONS OF NON-COMPLIANCE
On March 30 and 31, Microsoft defended itself against European regulators in a closed-door administrative hearing in Brussels. The European Commission contends that Microsoft is not fully complying with technology-sharing mandates under its March 2004 ruling, which is on appeal. In order to comply, Microsoft is providing technical documentation, unlimited free support and source code access to its rivals. Nevertheless, regulators are threatening Microsoft with a daily fine of 2 million euros. The broader appeal on the 2004 ruling is scheduled to begin on April 24 at the Court of First Instance in Luxembourg.
Read more...
http://today.reuters.com/business/newsArticle.aspx?type=ousiv&storyID=2006-03-30T193535Z_01_L22578961_RTRIDST_0_BUSINESSPRO-MICROSOFT-EU-DC.XML
U.S. Government Backs Microsoft in European Dispute...
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000085&sid=af4YdmWCL1oY&refer=europe
POLICY NEWS: MASSACHUSETTS PLAN RAISES TROUBLING ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES
The Disability Policy Consortium in Massachusetts has voiced serious concerns about the state’s plan to mandate the use of OpenDocument format (ODF) technology throughout government agencies. Many disabled state employees use assistive technologies that work with Microsoft products, but not with applications using ODF. Microsoft believes that agencies should be able to procure software based on its merits, including accessibility for people with disabilities.
Read more...
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/49354.html
LEGAL NEWS: MICROSOFT APPEALING SOUTH KOREAN RULING
On February 24, 2006, South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission issued its final ruling against Microsoft, which follows a preliminary announcement made in December 2005. Under the ruling, Microsoft must ship two specially modified versions of Windows in the South Korean marketplace. The company cannot ship Windows as it is designed for the rest of the global marketplace. Microsoft is appealing this ruling, which not only hurts the company and its technology partners, but also limits Korean consumers’ access to emerging technologies.
Read more...
http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=180207745&subSection=Columns
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY NEWS: MICROSOFT RECEIVES ITS 5,000TH PATENT
In early March, Microsoft announced that it had been granted its 5,000th patent in the U.S. The latest innovation enhances online gaming for players -- and spectators. “Through patents, we are able to license our technologies widely to others in the industry, increasing the availability of our innovations and getting beneficial solutions in the hands of customers,” said Brad Smith, senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for Microsoft.
Read more...
http://www.betanews.com/article/Microsoft_Receives_5000th_Patent/1141746237
TECH TIP: EVALUATE YOUR TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND MORE
Earlier this year, Microsoft teamed up with the U.S. Department of Labor to provide training in technology skills for adults. If you or someone you know wants to evaluate technology and other job skills, as well as find out more about distance learning, career development and online job searching, visit: http://www.careeronestop.org/
TAKE THE NEW TECH TRIVIA CHALLENGE
Here’s another Tech Trivia question that tests your knowledge -- or online searching ability.
The technology device that we call a mouse had a different name when its inventor filed his patent. What was the device called in the original patent filing?
- X-Y Position Indicator
- The Clicker
- Computer Pointing Device
- Remote Cursor Agent
- The Rat
To submit your answer and view the answer to the previous question, visit
http://www.freetoinnovate.com/techTrivia.asp
THE FIN PULSE
The FIN Pulse is an informal online poll that lets FIN members see how others use technology and think about policy issues.
This issue we ask, “Besides a computer, which technology devices do you or your family use?”
Go to http://www.freetoinnovate.com to participate in the FIN Pulse.
Write us with your tips, trivia and FIN Pulse suggestions at msfin@microsoft.com.
Check the FIN online for tech news, policy updates and more
www.microsoft.com/freedomtoinnovate/
Need help writing your legislator? You can find tips for communicating with legislators, along with news, tech policy information and more, at the Freedom to Innovate Network Web site: www.microsoft.com/freedomtoinnovate/
Back to top
Write us with your tips, trivia and FIN Pulse suggestions at: msfin@microsoft.com
And remember, it’s never too late to write your legislators to let them know what issues are important to you. To identify and email your legislators, visit: http://www.freetoinnovate.com
To view Microsoft's privacy policy, please go to: http://www.microsoft.com/info/privacy.mspx
Legal Information. http://www.microsoft.com/info/legalinfo/default.mspx
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