Microsoft Sets Up $250M Fund for Schools
Helen Jung,
Associated Press,
Sept 16, 2003
There is no doubt that $250 million to support education world-wide is an exceptionally generous gesture, one which I welcome. Like many critics, however, I am sceptical of Microsoft's claim that the funding is only to "help students around the world attain 'e-literacy.'" And, of course, the program, which offers significant discounts on Microsoft software, is being pilloried by open source advocates. I wish we could have the best of both worlds. Microsoft software (with the exception of Outlook) is in the main very good. It is mostly good value for the money. But it is closed, inflexible, proprietary, insecure and designed to be as effective at eliminating the competition as it is to be a quality product. I so wish Microsoft would embrace openness and cooperation as a business model. Then I could welcome an initiative like this with open arms, and not with the scepticism attendant with any initiative advanced by a company intending to crush the competition. Bill, are you reading?
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