Microsoft takes a stab at making PC's consumer friendly

Article Abstract:

Microsoft launches 'The Simply Interactive PC for 1997,' an initiative aimed at making the computer the consumer's platform of choice for communications, entertainment and Internet access. Microsoft seeks to make computers less expensive and more appealing, an effort that will require it to work with hardware manufacturers and to improve its software. In 1996, only 30% of US homes have PCs, a statistic the industry plans to improve to 50%. Microsoft's strategy is in its very early stages, and it will require one to three years for consumers to see results. Microsoft has spoken with a few companies about the initiative, but it plans to provide more details at the Apr 1, 1996 Hardware Engineering Conference. Microsoft's efforts are likely to focus on 'lower software,' which communicates with hardware, and the company may develop software that no longer requires video and sound cards.

Planning, Company business planning

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Rare alliance on privacy for software; Microsoft and Netscape agree on standards

Article Abstract:

Microsoft and Netscape have agreed on a standard for privacy software for the Internet. The agreement between the two companies is the result of the public's growing concern with online privacy. A concern that may hamper the growth of Internet commerce and lead to governmental regulations. The software makers have decided to treat privacy as a bipartisan issue, realizing that unless a standard was agreed upon, the Internet would suffer and consequently, the software industry. Netscape, Microsoft and the Firefly Network proposed the standard, which was quickly endorsed by 100 companies, including large computer companies such as Sun Microsystems and IBM. The overall aim of the software industry is to reassure the public and the government that consumers can protect their privacy online without Federal regulations.

Standards, Internet services, Standard, Standardization, Privacy issue, Privacy, Electronic commerce, E-commerce, Company internet strategy, Netscape Communications Corp., NSCP

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Microsoft picks England as site of research lab

Article Abstract:

Microsoft is building a $80 million research laboratory in Cambridge, England as part of its effort to build the world's greatest research operation. The lab is to be built in collaboration with Cambridge Univ and run by Prof Roger Needham, a pioneer in computer systems research. The lab is expected to employ 40 full time researchers. A $16 million fund will be established by Microsoft to back technology start-ups in the Cambridge area. The mission of the research group will be to study how people relate to computers and how software is written. The group is expected to produce products that correspond to their findings, such as computers that listen and respond or new programming designs. Products resulting from their findings are not likely to be available for a number of years.

Research, Industrial research, Buildings and facilities, Cambridge, England, University of Cambridge, Company technology development, Research and Development

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