|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MICROSOFT AND NOVELL FORGE LANDMARK ALLIANCE
BROAD AGREEMENT WILL IMPROVE INTEROPERABILITY
|
In this issue of the FINFlash Update...
|
LEAD STORY: MICROSOFT AND NOVELL FORGE ALLIANCE
On November 2, Microsoft and Novell announced that the two companies will work together to enhance interoperability between Microsoft Windows and Novell’s Suse Linux. While Microsoft has formed numerous alliances with open source software companies, this agreement represents the first time that Microsoft will actively support and promote a Linux distribution. The agreement enables Novell, Suse Linux developers and Novell’s Linux customers to make use of Microsoft’s patents.
Read more
http://news.com.com/Microsoft+makes+Linux+pact+with+Novell/2100-1016_3-6132119.html
LEGAL UPDATE: MICROSOFT MEETS THANKSGIVING DAY DEADLINE IN EUROPE
Microsoft met a recently imposed deadline of Thanksgiving Day to provide European Commission (EC) competition authorities with complete Windows Server documentation. This documentation is being provided to rivals as part of an EC ruling against Microsoft. Originally imposed in March 2004, the EC order is now on appeal. The documents will now be reviewed by potential licensees, but if they are found to be unsatisfactory, the Commission could impose additional fines on Microsoft.
The EC had also previously raised concerns about Windows Vista, but following a constructive dialogue and changes to the product, it is being launched on schedule in Europe as in the rest of the world. In the U.S., federal and state regulators said in a report to a regularly scheduled court status filing that they did not have any current concerns with Windows Vista relating to the consent decree under which Microsoft operates. Windows Vista shipped to business customers on November 30 and will reach consumers in January 2007.
Read more...
www.informationweek.com/windows/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=196513309
http://news.com.com/2100-1016_3-6137603.html"
INTEROP NEWS: ECMA VOTES TO MAKE OFFICE OPEN XML AN OPEN STANDARD
On December 7, the General Assembly of standards organization Ecma International voted to approve Office Open XML (Open XML) as an open standard. Open XML is a technology for creating and saving documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Now any party can implement Open XML, which will improve file interoperability across a wide range of applications. Microsoft submitted Open XML to Ecma for standardization in November 2005. A cross-industry Ecma technical committee, including representatives from Apple, the British Library, Intel, Novell and others, then created the approved standard. Ecma also voted to submit the standard to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) for fast-track standardization by that organization. Governments look to ISO and Ecma to develop public policy related to IT and other standards.
Read more...
www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=operating_systems&articleId=9005750
MORE INTEROP NEWS: MICROSOFT FORMS INTEROPERABILITY VENDOR GROUP
On November 14, Microsoft announced the formation of the Interop Vendor Alliance (IVA), a global tech industry group that will work together to improve the ways that diverse software and hardware interoperate with Microsoft’s operating systems and applications. Founding members include Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Novell, Siemens, Sun Microsystems and more than two dozen other companies. The IVA will work together to develop and share technologies to improve interoperability and provide greater technology choice for governments, businesses and consumers.
Read more...
www.betanews.com/article/Interop_Alliance_Links_Microsoft_Sun_Novell_AMD/1163523618
ELECTION FOLLOW-UP: THANK YOU! AND CHANGES AHEAD
As a result of the November 7 election, significant changes are coming to Congress. Thank you to FIN members for taking part in our democracy by voting. In the coming legislative session, Congress could take up a range of issues affecting the tech sector, including patent reform, Net neutrality, the R&D tax credit and more. Please stay tuned to the FIN in 2007 for information about important technology policy debates.
WINDOWS VISTA PREVIEW: GADGETS
Editor’s Note: Windows Vista, the next generation of Microsoft’s flagship operating system, is due to consumers in early 2007. In advance of the release, each FINFlash Update examines a feature of Windows Vista and considers policy issues that impact this emerging technology.
Gadgets are mini-applications that run on the Windows Vista desktop or in a Web browser. They improve productivity by keeping important information close at hand -- calendar views, contacts, sticky notes and more. Gadgets can also deliver news updates, as well as let you view photos and play games. Microsoft’s Gadgets technology also serves as a platform for other companies to build new tools, tailor-made for specific needs. Anyone can build a Gadget for the Windows Vista platform, and to ensure fair competition, no Microsoft-branded Gadgets will ship with Windows Vista.
Read more...
www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/features/foreveryone/sidebar.mspx
TECH TIP: PREPARE FOR THE HOLIDAYS -- RIGHT FROM YOUR PC
A lot of holidays are right around the corner -- Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s. Millions of computer users shop for gifts online, but don’t forget that you can produce cards, gift labels, holiday newsletters, party invitations and lots more using your PC and printer. There’s a wide range of software programs that help you create your own printing press. You can also download free holiday templates at: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT101433581033.aspx
Have a happy holiday!
TAKE THE NEW TECH TRIVIA CHALLENGE
Guess before your search! Here’s another Tech Trivia question that tests your knowledge -- or online searching ability. (Check out new Windows Live Search at http://www.live.com/.)
Today, thanks to high-tech innovation, hundreds of hours of digital music can be played from a small device. NASA sent Voyager 1 and 2 out of the solar system in 1977, each with a gold-plated copper record containing greetings, sounds and just 90 minutes of global music. Which music did NOT make the cut?
- Beethoven, Symphony No. 5, First Movement
- Solomon Islands, Panpipes
- Bach, Toccata and Fugue in D minor
- Chuck Berry, “Johnny B Goode”
- Peru, Wedding Song
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.
In this month’s Pulse, we ask a simple question about your holiday shopping plans.
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.
For Top Stories and Tech Headlines, updated weekly, visit the FIN Web site:
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!