Posted by Laura RubyDirector, Trustworthy Computing - Accessibility Policy & Standards, Microsoft
Today, in a ceremony hosted by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski , Microsoft received a Chairman’s Awards for Advancement in Accessibility in recognition of the company’s work in creating a set of Accessibility Tools and Training Resources.
The awards were presented for the development of individual mainstream or assistive technologies introduced into the marketplace, the development of standards, or the implementation of best practices that foster accessibility. The timing of the a ceremony was very fitting because October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, and also marks the first anniversary of the Twenty-First Communications and Video Programming Accessibility Act (CVAA).
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Posted by Jacqueline BeauchereDirector, Trustworthy Computing Communications, Microsoft
Microsoft’s Trustworthy Computing (TwC) Group is today announcing a new tool to help gauge how consumers are meeting the challenges of today’s digital world. Microsoft’s Computing Safety Index (MCSI) is the product of research recently conducted in five countries: Brazil, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the U.S. It examines people’s behaviors relating to online safety, resulting in an overall score.
Broken out into three tiers of scoring levels, the 2011 average score for this benchmark study across all five geographies was 34 out of a possible 100. This year’s U.S. Index was 37, which lands in the mid-scoring range of 20-79 scores, suggesting that people have the online-safety basics covered, but opportunities exist to learn and do more, particularly against new and emerging risks in the social realm. (Specific results for the other four countries will be released to coincide with international Safer Internet Day 2012 in early February.)
Posted by Brad SmithExecutive Vice President & General Counsel, Microsoft
Did you know that only eight states in the country have a higher percentage of functionally obsolete bridges than Washington? The fact is, over the past two decades, the Puget Sound region’s transportation infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the region’s population and job growth.
Enhanced mobility across the region is an important local priority for Microsoft. With nearly 40,000 employees based in the Puget Sound region, the company and our people need an efficient transportation system. It is important to our own business, and it’s important to economic growth, job creation and the quality of life across our state.
As a company, we’re opposing Initiative 1125 on the Washington state ballot this November because it would seriously undermine improvements to our transportation infrastructure, unfairly eliminate options for commuters, and impact the state’s economy.
Editor’s Note: On Oct. 13th, Brad Smith was recognized by the White House as a “Champion of Change” – a weekly White House initiative to highlight Americans making an impact in their communities. Last week, “Champions of Change” featured lawyers dedicated to closing the justice gap in America. The original version of this blog post was published on the White House Blog.
Each year as I see litigation first-hand around the world, I come away with even greater appreciation for courts in the United States. No system is perfect, including our own. But when I walk through the doors of an American courthouse, I have more confidence in the legal rules and fair-mindedness that await me than anywhere else.
There is one catch, however.
There’s cause for confidence only if you’re represented by a lawyer.
For a company like Microsoft, that’s obviously not an issue. But for many people, the cost of legal representation lies beyond their financial reach.
Posted by Brad Smith and Horacio GutierrezExecutive Vice President and General Counsel & Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Microsoft
Today, Microsoft announced its tenth license agreement providing coverage under our patent portfolio for Android mobile phones and tablets. Today's agreement is with Compal, one of the world’s largest Original Design Manufacturers, or ODMs. Compal is based in Taiwan, where it produces smartphones and tablet computers for third parties and has revenue of roughly $28 billion per year.