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MASSACHUSETTS WILL NOT SEEK SUPREME COURT APPEAL
LAST STATE IN LANDMARK ANTITRUST CASE ENDS SUIT
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In this issue of the FINFlash Update...
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LEAD STORY: MASSACHUSETTS FORGOES FINAL APPEAL IN ANTITRUST CASE
On October 8, the U.S. Department of Justice filed its quarterly Joint Status Report with the U.S. District Court on Microsoft’s compliance with the antitrust settlement. The report and follow-up status conference with Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on October 19 focused largely on how Microsoft provides technical documentation to companies that participate in the Communications Protocol Licensing Program. The Status Report, however, also noted that Massachusetts, the only state that was still pursuing greater penalties against Microsoft, will not seek Supreme Court review of the Appeals Court ruling in this case.
CONGRESSIONAL WRAP-UP -- BUT THERE’S MORE TO COME
Though Congress will be back in mid-November for a lame duck session, both chambers are currently adjourned for the election. In 2004, Congress took up several tech policy issues, and this work is certain to continue next year. To encourage investment in innovation, Congress this year extended the tax credit for research and development (R&D). The industry and consumers also stand to benefit from the 2004 enactment of free trade agreements with Australia, Chile, Morocco and Singapore. Congress also reauthorized the Assistive Technology Act, which helps ensure that Americans with disabilities continue to see an increasing number of accessible technology products brought to market. In the lame duck session or the next Congress, look for lawmakers to debate Internet taxation, spyware legislation, patent reform and a host of other issues that affect technology companies, investors and users.
Read more tech policy priorities
http://www.microsoft.com/freedomtoinnovate/industry/policy.asp
MICROSOFT NEWS: ALLIANCE WITH CISCO AIMS TO IMPROVE NETWORK SECURITY
On October 18, Microsoft and Cisco Systems announced a plan to work together to strengthen security on computer networks. The joint effort will also help promote the use of industry standards to provide better digital security. "This important alliance with Cisco underscores Microsoft's ongoing commitment to creating a more secure computing environment," said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft Corporation. The announcement came during National Cyber Security Awareness Month, an industry-government educational initiative launched by the National Cyber Security Alliance.
Read more about the Microsoft-Cisco Collaboration
http://www.internetnews.com/security/article.php/3422961
Read more about the National Cyber Security Alliance
http://www.staysafeonline.info
TECH POLICY FEATURE: GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES ANTI-PIRACY EFFORT
Earlier this month, the U.S. government began to implement a new multi-pronged anti-piracy plan called, “Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy” or simply “STOP.” The effort involves the Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security, as well as the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The program includes increased border interdiction of bogus goods and targets large-scale counterfeiters. The Business Software Alliance (BSA) estimates that more than one-third of software installed on computers worldwide was pirated, costing the industry almost $29 billion annually.
Read more
http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/3417061
EXTRA! REMEMBER TO VOTE
In the United States, elections are just around the corner. If you are eligible to vote, be sure to set aside time in your schedule so that you can make it to your polling place. To find information about your state’s elections, start at the Freedom to Innovate Network Voter Information page at:
http://www.freetoinnovate.com/gotv/
TECH TIP: TEMPLATES FOR FUN, FAMILY AND BUSINESS ARE JUST A FEW CLICKS AWAY
Why reinvent the wheel? Microsoft Office Online offers free downloadable templates for hundreds of uses. You can create a family budget, make personalized holiday greeting cards or draft a business plan. New templates are added all the time, so check in frequently at:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/default.aspx
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/
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