Posted by Brendon LynchChief Privacy Officer, Microsoft
Privacy is a top priority for many users of cloud computing, so Microsoft today is releasing a white paper that details many of the specific data protection policies, procedures and tools that have been integrated into Office 365, our newest cloud productivity service.
I recently returned from a two-week trip to discuss a range of privacy topics with customers and regulators in Australia and New Zealand. In virtually every conversation, I was asked about Microsoft’s approach to data protection in our cloud services. Microsoft representatives around the world report hearing similar questions regularly in each of their regions.
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Posted by David FinnAssociate General Counsel, Worldwide Anti-Piracy & Anti-Counterfeiting, Microsoft
In addition to undermining the security of businesses around the world, pirated software robs businesses of the ability to compete. That is why we wanted to demonstrate the financial impact software piracy has on companies that use legal software, and why businesses and countries should take note.
Today, as part of Microsoft’s global Play Fair Day, we are examining the financial harm software piracy inflicts on those that “play fair” in developing countries. We’re announcing the results of a study we commissioned that measures the direct financial impact on manufacturing companies who use legal software in Brazil, Russia, India and China, four of the fastest-growing countries in the world.
Posted by Brad SmithExecutive Vice President & General Counsel, Microsoft
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) today announced that 39 attorneys general, representing both parties and from states across the nation including Washington, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Texas, Michigan, Florida, Colorado and Illinois, sent a letter to the U.S. Federal Trade Commissioners affirming their commitment to use their existing state powers, and calling for stronger federal enforcement against companies around the world that use stolen information technology to gain an unfair business advantage and who seek to sell their products in the U.S. The 39 attorneys general represent 36 US states and three US territories: Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
The letter clearly highlights the impact of the issue and the resolve of the attorneys general to tackle it directly, while also calling for additional state and federal action. As the letter says, “Competition is unfairly distorted…when a manufacturer gains a cost advantage by using stolen information technology. It offends our sense of fairness when such wrongdoers reap a commercial advantage from their illegal acts.”
Posted by Dan BrossSenior Director, Corporate Citizenship, Microsoft
Yesterday, I was pleased to participate in The Conference Board’s 2011 Symposium on Political Spending to discuss the principles and policies that guide Microsoft when we make political contributions.
We recognize that our company, our stakeholders (employees, shareholders and partners) and civil society as a whole, are all greatly impacted by the decisions of elected officials. As a result, we believe that constructive engagement in the political process on behalf of shareholders’ interest is an important element of good corporate citizenship. In the United States, this includes making political contributions.
Microsoft is recognized as one of a handful of corporate leaders in this area.
Posted by Fred HumphriesVice President of Government Affairs, Microsoft
Microsoft PAC (MSPAC) welcomed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney to our Redmond, Wash. campus today.
Since its founding in 1998, our employee political action committee has invited political leaders, policymakers, popular authors, celebrities and others representing a wide range of views to speak to Microsoft employees. The nearly 4,000 Microsoft employees who have joined MSPAC have expressed strong interest not only in hearing from those who are closest to important contemporary matters, but in sharing their own ideas. MSPAC provides this ongoing forum for discussion, engagement and education.