White Papers

Microsoft’s Intellectual Property Licensing Program Boosts Customer Choice (PDF file, 499 KB)
This white paper explains the benefits of protocol licensing for independent hardware vendors (IHVs), independent software vendors (ISVs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and customers; describes the various protocols available for licensing; and highlights scenarios in which the use of these protocols can speed the development of interoperable products.

The Economic Impact of IT, Software, and the Microsoft Ecosystem on the Global Economy (IDC) (Microsoft Word file, 212 KB)
Economists have long recognized the important role information technology (IT) can play in a country or region's development. To better understand that role, and to quantify the direct benefits to local economies, in 2007 IDC conducted a study of the economic impact of IT in 82 countries and regions. This white paper, methodology document, and FAQ provide background for the region and country profiles that detail the results of the IDC study.

When and How ICT Interoperability Drives Innovation (Interop Breaking Barriers) (PDF file, 593 KB)
In this study, we have done a deep-dive on three cases — DRM-protected music, Digital ID, and Mashups in the Web services context — as well as cursory reviews of other narratives with a goal of understanding a range of views on how interoperability comes to pass, what is optimal in terms of interoperability, how interoperability relates to innovation, and how we ought to approach achieving greater interoperability.