|
Legal Issues
Newsletters
Information
Industry and Innovation
 |
How to contact the FIN:
Microsoft Freedom to Innovate Network
16625 Redmond Way
Ste. M-447
Redmond, WA
98052-9724
call us at
1-888-321-3999
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SENATORS OFFER PATENT REFORM LEGISLATION
CHANGES TO PATENT SYSTEM COULD BENEFIT TECH INDUSTRY
|
In this issue of the FINFlash Update...
|
LEAD STORY: SENATE BILL AIMS TO STRENGTHEN U.S. PATENT SYSTEM
After an intensive review of our nation’s patent system, Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT), chairmen of the Senate intellectual property panel, recently introduced a bill aimed at strengthening U.S. Patent and Trademark Office operations. The Patent Reform Act of 2006 would provide an improved system to review patent applications and help minimize costly and lengthy patent litigation. The reforms would also align U.S. law with international practices. Patent reform is likely to receive considerable attention over the next year. Stay tuned for more news from the FIN.
Read more
http://news.com.com/Senators+offer+sweeping+patent+system+changes/2100-1028_3-6102493.html
SECURITY NEWS: OPENOFFICE POSES SECURITY RISKS, RESEARCHERS SAY
Researchers at the French Ministry of Defense have raised new concerns about security vulnerabilities in OpenOffice software. An open source software suite, OpenOffice is one of several office productivity suites that compete against Microsoft Office. “The general security of OpenOffice is insufficient,” the scientists wrote. The study raises new doubts about claims that open source software provides stronger security than traditional proprietary software.
Read more...
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9002430
TECHNOLOGY NEWS: YOUNG TECH EXPERTS COMPETE IN MICROSOFT IMAGINE CUP
More than 65,000 students from 100-plus countries competed in the 2006 Microsoft Imagine Cup, and a team from Italy’s Polytechnic of Turin took first place for software design. This year’s challenge focused on imagining technology that “enables us to live healthier lives.” Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said, “This year’s Imagine Cup participants all share a commitment to improving people’s lives that is very inspiring. They represent the next generation of business and technology leaders, and their creativity and passion are reasons for us all to be optimistic about the future.”
Read more...
http://www.technologynewsdaily.com/node/4049
WINDOWS VISTA PREVIEW: BITLOCKER -- SECURITY AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Editor’s Note: Windows Vista, the next generation of Microsoft’s flagship operating system, is due out in early 2007. In advance of the release, each FINFlash Update will examine a new feature of Windows Vista and consider policy issues that could affect emerging technology.
Some premium editions of Windows Vista will include a new security technology called, “BitLocker.” This technology enables users to encrypt the entire hard drive of their computers, which provides greater protection of data if a computer is lost or stolen, or disposed of without wiping the hard drive. This new feature will provide greater security to businesses and government agencies. Notably, BitLocker will help enable compliance with security and privacy rules established by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other laws. One technology alone, however, cannot solve all security concerns, and the competitive technology marketplace will continue to offer solutions to enhance data protection.
Read more...
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/security/bitexec.mspx
TECH TIP: REGISTER TO VOTE ONLINE
The 2006 general elections are less than three months away. If you’re not registered to vote, please take a few minutes to register online or request an absentee ballot. You can find out how to register and learn more information about candidates by visiting the FIN “Get Out the Vote!” page at:
http://www.freetoinnovate.com/gotv/
TAKE THE NEW TECH TRIVIA CHALLENGE
Here’s another Tech Trivia question that tests your knowledge -- or online searching ability.
Patents have been a cornerstone of U.S. innovation and commerce since the earliest days of our nation. In 1790, U.S. patents were granted for new technologies related to the manufacture of all of the following, except:
- Flour
- Pearl Ash
- Candles
- Soda Ash
- Pot Ash (potash)
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, “What types of software do you use at least once each week”
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: http://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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What are Microsoft's Policy Priorities? |
|
|
|
Cyber Security
Privacy
Combating Spam
Intellectual Property
Spyware
Children's Online Safety
Internet Neutrality
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to join the FIN!