Evolving a Technology and Policy Foundation

Microsoft engages worldwide with governments, industry partners and NGO communities on key business, citizenship and community affairs issues. We engage on public policy issues that are core to our business. We exercise constant vigilance to be ethical, open-minded and transparent in policy interactions while aiming to actively contribute to the democratic exchange of ideas. We believe that our engagement serves our business interests and also creates stronger and more informed public policies.

Microsoft is actively engaging on the following technology policy issues:

Interoperability by design

In today’s heterogeneous computing environments and with the emergence of web services and service-oriented architectures, Interoperability has become a critical business and IT need. Microsoft is committed to solving the real-world interoperability challenges of our customers, developers, partners, and independent software providers, through innovative products, community engagement, technology access, and support for technology standards.

More information: http://www.microsoft.com/interop/openup/

Child Safety

In the Internet age of easy access and connection, protecting children from exploitation has become increasingly challenging. Parents want their children to reap all the benefits of the wealth of information and social networks available online. Yet most parents—and the government public safety offices that serve them—recognize the threat that online predators can pose. Law enforcement agencies have worked diligently to put such predators behind bars. These agencies have become increasingly sophisticated in their ability to track and detain suspects, and continuously seek new, innovative ways to make the Internet a safer place for children. Experience confirms that with the right analytical tools and the capacity to collaborate and share information across multiple agencies, the opportunity to deter and apprehend online offenders increases exponentially. The Child Exploitation Tracking System, a secure, web-based software tool that enables government and law enforcement agencies to collaborate on investigations into the exploitation of children, consistent with existing legal agreements, responds to these needs. The Child Exploitation Tracking System permits investigators to easily import, organize, analyze, share and search information, from initial point of detection all the way through to the investigative phase.

More information: http://www.microsoft.com/industry/publicsector/InGov/Child_Safety.aspx

Accessibility & Assistive Technologies

Computer users with impairments want to be able to comfortably, efficiently and successfully use ICT solutions. Microsoft is working worldwide in close cooperation with technology partners and academic institutions to develop accessible computer technologies that enable individuals to adjust a computer to meet their visual, hearing, dexterity, cognitive and speech needs.  At the School Technology Innovation Center (include link to Education & Skills section), Microsoft and its partners showcase innovative assistive technology solutions.

Partners

EduPro
ICTWijs
Jabbla
Sensotec
Skil

Links

http://www.microsoft.eu/digital-policy/