Difference between revisions of "Microsoft"

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== Microsoft ==
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== History of Microsoft ==
  
*[[Bill Gates]]
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The company was founded by [[Bill Gates]] and [[Paul Allen]] in 1975 and generated profits of $16,000.  In the 1980s microsoft flourished as it provided the operating system DOS for IBM’s PC.
  
*[[Steven A. Ballmer]]
+
Today Microsoft is an international company present in 102 different countries, employing 76,000 people and generalting a profit of $44.28 billion per year.  
  
*[[James I. Cash Jr.]] Ph.D.
+
Microsoft  takes up 18.3 million square feet of office building space and is ranked 15th in the world's top 500 companies.  Microsoft's has driven 93% of the world's desktop computers since 1991 and its office software dominates 90% of the market and earns the company $9 billion a year.  In 1990 Microsoft became the first software company to reach $1 billion in revenue.  In 2003 Microsoft's revenue increased by $3.82 billion to $32.19 billion with a net income of $9993 billion. Although Microsoft have been accused of fraudulent accounting in order to show profit<ref>Corporate Watch (2004) '''Microsoft: A Corporate Profile'''[http://archive.corporatewatch.org/profiles/microsoft/microsoft4.htm Corporate Watch] (accessed 05/04/07)</ref>.
  
*[[Dina Dublon]]
+
The company headquarters are in Redmond, Washington, USA.
 +
Microsoft have ownership of  MSNBC cable television network, the MSN Internet portal, and the Microsoft Encarta multimedia encyclopedia.
  
*[[Raymond V. Gilmartin]]
+
The company has faced much controversy over the years as many have attributed their success to their illegal monopoly over operating systems which effectively pushes competition out of the market. The company has faced legal proceedings aroung the world and have been found guilty on the charges of holding an unfair monopoly.  However, as microsoft are an extrmely rich company, the finacial penalties they face are insignificant and they often pay their way out of any legal obligations to rectify this monopoly.
  
*[[David F. Marquardt]]
+
== Microsoft’s Philanthropy ==
  
*[[Charles H. Noski]]
+
Bill Gates likes to consider himself above all as a philanthropic man. At the Government Leaders Forum he quoted Carnegie: ‘he who dies rich dies disgraced.’  Although Gates found the funny side to this, saying that he was still working on it, his charity has been described as the ‘Microsoft of charities’.  The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was launched by a donation from Bill Gates of £54 million in 2000.  Gates has a very philanthropic public image and has joined Bono on the cover of Time magazine as Humanitarian of the year and was voted 8th in the list of “Heroes of our Time” by the New Statesman. 
  
*[[Jon A. Shirley]]
+
However, the ‘Microsoft of charities’ may hold alternative meanings as it has been criticised for disinvestments.  In January the Los Angeles Times exposed the foundation for investing over £254 million in oil companies including [[Royal Dutch Shell]], [[Exxon Mobil]], [[Chevron]] and [[Total]] who were being accused of causing health problems in Nigeria which, ironically, is another area of funding for the trust<ref>MChinty, S (2007) '''Billionaire, benefactor...but is Bill Gates a force for good?''' [http://thescotsman.scotsman.com.index.cfm?id=161002007 The Scotsman] 31st January (accessed 28/02/07)</ref>.
  
== UK Executives ==
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== Microsoft's Partner Companies ==
 +
[[Charteris plc]]
  
[[Gordon Frazer]]
+
==Resources==
 +
*[[Microsoft:Products / Projects]]
 +
*[[Microsoft: Company Structure, Ownership, People]]
 +
*[[Microsoft:Influence / Lobbying]]
 +
*[[Microsoft:Corporate Crime]]
 +
*[[Microsoft:What you can do]]
 +
=== International role ===
 +
Microsoft have faced criticism and legal action around the world.  The main accusations are that they constitute a monopoly and effectively push competitors out of the market.  Court cases in the US and Europe give some indication of how they conduct their business and political activities.
  
[[Neil Thompson]]
+
*[[Microsoft: US Conflicts]]
 +
*[[Microsoft: European Conflicts]]
 +
*[[Microsoft: UK]]
 +
*[[Microsoft: Wales]]
 +
*[[Microsoft: Scotland]]
  
[[Nick Barley]]
+
==Lobbying firms==
 
+
*[[APCO Worldwide]]<ref> [http://www.appc.org.uk/members/register/register-profile/?company=APCO%20Worldwide Register 1st September 2014 - 30th November 2014] ''APPC'', accessed 28 January 2015 </ref>
==Sharon Baylay==
+
*[[Edelman]]<ref> [http://www.appc.org.uk/members/register/register-profile/?company=Edelman Register 1st September 2014 - 30th November 2014] ''APPC'', accessed 29 January 2015 </ref>
General Manager, Microsoft Online Services Group, UK
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*[[Weber Shandwick]]<ref> [http://www.appc.org.uk/members/register/register-profile/?company=Weber%20Shandwick Register 1st September 2014 - 30th November 2014] ''APPC'', accessed 29 January 2015 </ref>
+
*[[Hanover Communications]] <ref>[https://registerofconsultantlobbyists.force.com/CLR_Public_Profile?id=0012400000600D4AAI Hanover Communications profile 2016], ''Register of consultant lobbyists'', accessed 25 April 2016</ref>
 
 
Sharon Baylay is General Manager, Microsoft Online Services Group in the UK, where she has overall responsibility for running the Windows Live and MSN businesses which form part of the newly formed Online Services Group for Microsoft UK. In her role, Sharon will lead the next chapter in the development and revenue growth of the UK business.
 
 
 
Sharon takes up the post having spent the last three years running the MSN business in Asia Pacific, Greater China and the Americas where she was responsible for overseeing business development in these countries, as well as implementing investment strategies for emerging markets to help extend MSN’s lead in global reach.
 
 
 
In her previous role as Regional Director of MSN EMEA, Sharon was responsible for building the MSN brand into the number one web destination for consumers in Europe, Middle East and Africa and for the last ten years she has worked at the leading edge of new technology in developing and emerging markets. Many of her experiences are related to how information technology is becoming a significant enabler of the economies and people in these countries.
 
 
 
Sharon learnt her skills managing the growth of emerging markets from 1996 when she worked as a regional manager for Africa, Mediterranean and Middle East region specifically running Microsoft’s Anti-Piracy and Internet Security team. In 1998, she moved to become marketing manager for a Microsoft team dedicated to bringing enhanced television to the UK. This involved a major collaboration between a number of partners including [[BBC]], [[BT and Pace Technology plc]] and led to the first major trial of interactive television content and delivery to homes in the UK.
 
 
 
Before joining Microsoft, Sharon worked in the PC and PC Services Industry for [[Olivetti]] and was an Accredited IBM, Apple and Compaq Systems Sales Manager.
 
 
 
Sharon is a Member of the [[Chartered Institute of Marketing]], and has travelled the world extensively in her roles at Microsoft. {{ref|16}}
 
 
 
==Steve Dunn==
 
Finance Director, Microsoft Ltd
 
 
 
 
Since joining Microsoft in 1997, Steve has worked in a number of roles including financial analyst and the Controller of Microsoft New Zealand, where Steve was responsible for all financial operations of Microsoft’s New Zealand subsidiary.
 
 
 
Steve returned to the United States in 2000 to be the US West Region Controller. Steve’s role was to manage five analysts aligned with the US West Region sales organisation.
 
 
 
In 2002, Steve became Microsoft US EPG Controller, whereby he directly managed a team of 60 controllers and analysts that align with the MSUS EPG Sales and Services organisations.
 
 
 
Steve has an undergraduate degree from Lehigh University and an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. Prior to joining Microsoft he worked for Ernst & Young LLP in their financial audit group.{{ref|17}}
 
 
 
==Scott Dodds==
 
General Manager of Small, Medium Enterprises & Partners Group
 
 
 
 
Scott Dodds was appointed General Manager of SMS&P (Small, Medium Enterprises & Partners Group) for Microsoft UK on 1 January 2007.
 
 
 
The SME and Partner group focuses on Microsoft's small and medium-sized customers and strives to improve the way that Microsoft and its partners engage with this sector. This involves the delivery of first-class sales, marketing and services programmes and drives partner education and support schemes to ensure the best possible customer experience. Scott’s initial focus within SMS&P for FY07 will include driving double-digit growth for the company through working closely with our partners, propelling Microsoft to lead the mid market in the UK and cultivating a more competitive spirit among employees.
 
 
 
Previously, Scott ran the company’s OEM UK and Northern European divisions, since joining Microsoft three years ago in November 2003. He has made a strong impact both internally and externally, utilising his skills and experience to increase customer satisfaction levels in a challenging environment.
 
 
 
Scott has 20 years broad experience in engineering, sales and management. Scott joined Microsoft from Acer, where he was Managing Director of Acer UK & Ireland and on the European Management team for Acer EMEA. Prior to this, Scott worked seven years for Compaq UK in various management roles – latterly as General Manager of UK Channels, responsible for all of Compaq’s direct and indirect partner teams. {{ref|18}}
 
 
 
 
 
==Andy Watson==
 
Senior Director of Enterprise Services, Microsoft Ltd
 
 
 
 
As Group Director of Microsoft Services in the UK, Andy's area of responsibility is the delivery of high quality consulting and support services to the Enterprise Sector. Ultimately he is responsible for the transfer of knowledge to customers and partners in order to accelerate the adoption, deployment, and long-term acceptance of Microsoft products, technologies, and solutions that drive significant business value and satisfaction.
 
 
 
Andy brings to the role experience gained as the Director of Microsoft Technology and Solution Consulting Services in the UK, providing high-level IT management and technical consulting to Microsoft's largest customers and strategic partners. Prior to this he was Chief Technology Officer for Microsoft UK and Group manager of Technology Consulting and Systems Engineering (pre-sales technical field staff). He was appointed to the role of Group Director in May 2002.
 
 
 
Andy has been with Microsoft for 4 years. Prior to this he spent 18 years with [[IBM]] in a variety of consulting and management roles. His earliest career steps were taken with Coopers and Lybrand and British Aerospace. Andy graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Electrical Sciences. He is a Chartered Engineer.{{ref|19}}
 
 
 
===Matthew Bishop===
 
Business & Marketing Officer, Microsoft Ltd
 
 
 
 
Matthew is responsible for the success of five of the company's commercial business groups, as well as the Marketing and Corporate Affairs organisation in the UK. His remit covers orchestrating the direction and success of the sales, marketing and services resources in each of the business groups, as well as leading the marketing teams responsible for promoting the company's commercial products and services.
 
 
 
Prior to this role, Matthew has worked as Senior Director, Developer Platform Evangelism (DPE) and Senior Director of Government (EMEA regions). Before this, Matthew was Director of Government Sales & Solutions (EMEA regions) where he increased business in local and regional Government and created a successful European Government Leaders Forum.
 
 
 
Matthew first joined Microsoft in December 1998 to become a Strategy Consultant, working with Enterprise customers and partners. In 2000, Matthew became Government Services Practice Manager which included working on the Government Gateway and New Tax Credits projects. Matthew then became Director of Customer Experience within the Services team.
 
 
 
 
 
Prior to joining Microsoft, Matthew was a civil servant in the UK Government Cabinet Office, where his team advised ministers on e-government goals for electronic service delivery and produced the first e-government Green Paper in Europe.{{ref|20}}
 
 
 
 
===Tery Smith===
 
 
 
General Manager, Public Sector, Microsoft Ltd
 
 
Terry Smith is responsible for the strategic direction of Microsoft’s Public Sector business in the UK. He leads sales, marketing and services teams which address the healthcare, central and local government, defence, education, police and criminal justice sectors.
 
 
 
Terry has worked at Microsoft since July 1995 and has managed a number of partner & customer groups in that time, spanning independent software vendors (ISVs), SI’s, web developers as well as enterprise & corporate customers. Whilst heading the Public Sector business at Microsoft Ltd, Terry has been responsible for some of the world’s largest IT projects, notably the provision of the UK Digital Curriculum in partnership with the [[BBC]] as well as major innovative projects with the NHS, Inland Revenue, MOD and a number of local authorities.
 
 
 
Terry has led his team in fundamentally altering the relationships Microsoft has with UK Government. The aim has been to become a strategic partner with Government organisations (such as the MOD, FCO, and London Borough of Newham) in their efforts to make Britain a better place in which to live, learn and do business. Terry has also been instrumental in building strategic relationships with organisations such as [[Accenture]] and [[CAP]] and ensuring that Microsoft is a key partner for specialist companies in the UK.
 
 
 
Prior to his current role, Terry was Head of the Internet Business Group focussing sales and marketing efforts targeting DotComs, Marketplaces & ASP’s. With 25 years experience in the IT industry, immediately prior to Microsoft Terry worked as Sales Director for the largest UK  Healthcare ISV – ACT Medisys.
 
 
 
Born in the North West, Terry started his career at Unisys where he spent 12 years in a number of sales & management positions, working with major customers such as [[Pilkingtons]], [[ICI & Bass]]. {{ref|21}}
 
 
 
===Chris Parker===
 
Senior Director, Law and Corporate Affairs, Microsoft Ltd
 
 
 
 
Chris leads the Law and Corporate Affairs team in the UK.
 
 
 
He has significant legal and corporate affairs experience in the information technology industry. Prior to joining Microsoft, Chris was Senior Counsel for Apple Europe and Legal & Government Affairs Director at Compaq. He also spent more than 17 years at Digital Equipment Co. Ltd (DEC) in various legal roles.
 
 
 
His main areas of expertise are IT licensing, Intellectual Property and competition law. He has been involved in a number of competition investigations, by both UK and EU authorities and was instrumental in settling the European Commission's investigation into DEC in 1997 (the Digital Undertaking).
 
 
 
Chris is an English barrister and holds a law degree from the University of Hull. {{ref|22}}
 
 
 
===Alison Dodd===
 
Senior Director, OEM, Microsoft Ltd
 
 
 
===Bronwyn Kunhardt===
 
Head of Corporate Reputation and Diversity, Microsoft Ltd
 
 
 
 
Bronwyn Kunhardt is a member of Microsoft's leadership team in the UK. As head of Corporate Reputation and Diversity, she is briefed to create and drive policy within Microsoft in these critical areas and to allocate the necessary resources to ensure that the organisation maintains its leadership position in the industry.
 
 
 
In fulfilling her role, Bronwyn develops and evangelises the innovative policies adopted by Microsoft to promote increased diversity within its organisation. She also works collaboratively with its stakeholders and partners, including pressure groups, political parties and government to lead new thinking and policy in this area.
 
 
 
Bronwyn has been with Microsoft for ten years. Before taking up her new role in January 2005, she headed the Image and Reputation team at MSN UK, focused on building understanding of issues such as child safety, work life balance. She was also responsible for managing '''MSN's Citizenship, Community Affairs, and Consumer Research programmes'''.
 
 
 
While in this role, she spearheaded an award winning employment package which has led to 80% of the workforce, including all of the leadership team, starting to work flexibly.
 
 
 
Bronwyn holds a Masters Degree in Social Anthropology and Development from the School of African and Oriental Studies in London. {{ref|23}}
 
 
 
 
 
===David Gartenberg===
 
HR Director, Microsoft Ltd
 
 
 
 
Dave Gartenberg was appointed HR Director of Microsoft Ltd in July 2005 to oversee the People, Organisation and Culture strategies for the whole of the UK.
 
 
 
Dave first joined Microsoft in the US in January 2001, as Senior HR Manager within the US Eastern region where he was responsible for 1,200 employees located across five sales districts.
 
 
 
Dave’s next role from September 2002 was as HR Director in the US Corporate Business team, where he led the HR team focused on the newly formed 3,000 person Operations and Technology Group (OTG).
 
 
 
Prior to joining Microsoft, Dave spent more than seven years with [[Rohm and Haas]], a $6B global specialty chemicals manufacturer. He started off as an Internal Consultant in their Leadership and Organization Effectiveness group, and then worked his way though a variety of client focused HR roles, finishing up as the HR Director for the Office of Technology, responsible for the technology backbone of the company (Research, Manufacturing, Engineering and Corporate Development functions).
 
 
 
Dave earned his undergraduate degree in Economics at George Washington University, Washington DC and spent three years as an Economic analyst working for a consulting firm that was focused on Mergers and Acquisitions. Dave then returned to university and gained an MBA in Organisational Behaviour and Development, where he was offered a Fellowship and taught undergraduate Management Science classes. {{ref|24}}
 
 
 
 
 
== Raymond O'Hare  Regional Director in Scotland ==
 
 
 
Raymond O'Hare was appointed as regional director for Scotland in Novemebr. O'Hare was previously regional manager Scotland, [[Microsoft Small, Mid-market Solutions and Partners]]. He joined Microsoft in 1997.
 
 
 
OHare is responsible for maintaining the successful business addressing the SME community in Scotland and working with enterprise customers and partners to develop solutions based on Microsoft technologies that allow them to realise their business potential.
 
 
 
Partners remain a key focus for OHare and he will continue to develop the local partner network to service the requirements of all Scottish businesses. O'Hare has very strong existing relationships with the [[Scottish Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses]], [[ICAS]], [[Law Society]] and [[Scottish Enterprise]].
 
 
 
As O'Hare explained. "We have had a very positive year in Scotland. My new role will allow me to build on the relationships I have developed with key influencers, partners and customers and expand this work to cover all our Scottish business. I am very pleased with what we have achieved and am looking forward to establishing a strong Microsoft presence in Scotland."
 
 
 
Alistair Baker, managing director, Microsoft UK, said: "Raymond has been invaluable in cementing our presence in Scotland. His excellent work with the SME community and strong relationships with key influencers, combined with his considerable experience, made him the obvious choice for the role."
 
 
 
Microsoft's Edinburgh-based Scottish office opened in 1994 and has grown from one person to a 40-strong team, the majority of which are part of the sales and services organisations.
 
 
 
OHare joined Microsoft in 1997 and under his leadership, the UK retail banking and Scotland Services organisations have grown into a 12million + business.
 
 
 
Prior to joining Microsoft O'Hare worked for [[Royal Bank of Scotland]] and built a number of businesses from their early stages, including a financial services sales division for ICL in Dublin and a substantial multi-vendor services business for Digital in Scotland. {{ref|10}}
 
 
 
== Microsoft Governement Leaders Forum ==
 
The annual forum brings together Prime Ministers, Ministers, EU Commissioners and policy advisers from across Europe, marking one of the most senior gatherings of European leaders Scotland has seen.
 
 
 
The Government Leaders’ Forum Europe is one of Microsoft’s flagship events for government, parliamentarians, education and business leaders across the continent and is being supported by a partnership of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive.
 
 
 
The event provides a forum to formulate successful strategies in key areas relating to connected government, digital learning, employability skills and the transition to the knowledge economy. This year will reflect a number of Scotland’s experiences as the host country
 
 
 
Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, George Reid MSP said:  
 
 
 
“Our Parliament is committed to the widest possible engagement with the people, one important element in this being the use of technology. From my attendance at this year’s forum in Lisbon, it is clear that the Scottish experience has much to share with the political institutions of Europe.  
 
 
 
“This conference provides an opportunity to debate key issues of engagement and economic development which affect citizens and states across Europe.
 
 
 
“I look forward to welcoming the Microsoft Government Leaders’ Forum. Once again, Holyrood will provide the stage that puts Scotland at the heart of international debate.”
 
 
 
The President of Microsoft International, Jean-Philippe Courtois said:
 
 
 
“The Scottish Parliament offers a unique setting to hold a very interactive and participative Government Leaders’ Forum. This event offers an excellent opportunity to bring together top policy makers and industry leaders from across the continent to facilitate a discussion around the impact of ICT on parliaments and their citizens. Microsoft is grateful to both the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive for their support and cooperation in bringing the GLF to Edinburgh.” {{ref|2}}
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[[Microsoft Government Leaders Forum]]
 
Bill gates accompanied Jack Mc Connell in a press statemetn highlighting the philanthropic work both the Microsoft Corporation and the Scottish Executive will undertake in helping young Scots achieve.  The signed agreement aims to train 100,000 Scots in computer skills {{ref|25}} The project is aimed at those not in education, employment or training (NEET)
 
 
 
Microsoft says Scottish NHS must curb IT spend {{ref|4}}
 
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
 +
<references/>
  
#{{note|1}} Microsoft website [http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/steve/default.mspx Board of Directors]accessed 30/01/07
+
[[Category:Media Industry]][[Category:Transnational Corporations]]
#{{note|2}} Microsoft website [http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/steve/default.mspx Board of Directors]accessed 30/01/07
 
#{{note|3}} Microsoft website, [http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/bod/jcash/default.mspx Board of Directors]
 
#{{note|4}} Microsoft website, [http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/bod/jcash/default.mspx Board of Directors]
 
#{{note|5}}Microsoft website, [http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/bod/jcash/default.mspx Board of Directors]
 
#{{note|6}} Microsoft website, [http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/bod/jcash/default.mspx Board of Directors]
 
#{{note|7}} Microsoft website, [http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/bod/jcash/default.mspx Board of Directors]
 
#{{note|8}}Microsoft website, [http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/bod/jcash/default.mspx Board of Directors]
 
#{{note|9}}''Scottish Parliament to host the UK’s first Microsoft Government Leaders’ Forum''  | 20 September 2006.[http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/nmCentre/news/news-06/pa06-068.htm]
 
#{{note|10}}''Scottish Parliament to host the UK’s first Microsoft Government Leaders’ Forum''  | 20 September 2006.[http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/nmCentre/news/news-06/pa06-068.htm]Microsoft UK Press Center [http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/content/presscentre/releases/2004/11/pr03340.mspx Raymond O'Hare]accessed 18/02/07
 
#{{note|11}} ''Scottish Parliament to host the UK’s first Microsoft Government Leaders’ Forum''  | 20 September 2006.[http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/nmCentre/news/news-06/pa06-068.htm]Microsoft UK Press Center [http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/content/presscentre/releases/2004/11/pr03340.mspx Raymond O'Hare]accessed 18/02/07
 
#{{note|12}} Lucy Sherriff [http://209.85.129.104/search?q=cache:ObadE5UNRR0J:www.theregister.co.uk/2005/01/05/scottish_it_spending_spree/+microsoft+scotland&hl=en&gl=uk&ct=clnk&cd=1 Microsoft says Scottish NHS must curb IT spend: Unusual advice from a vendor] ''The Register'', Published Wednesday 5th January 2005 13:25 GMT
 
#{{note|13}}Microsoft Website [http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/executives/default.mspx Uk executives] accessed 21/02/07
 
#{{note|14}}Microsoft Website [http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/executives/default.mspx Uk executives] accessed 21/02/07
 
#{{note|15}} Microsoft Website [http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/executives/default.mspx Uk executives] accessed 21/02/07
 
#{{note|16}}Microsoft Website [http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/executives/default.mspx Uk executives] accessed 21/02/07
 
#{{note|17}} Microsoft Website [http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/executives/default.mspx Uk executives] accessed 21/02/07
 
#{{note|18}} Microsoft Website [http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/executives/default.mspx Uk executives] accessed 21/02/07
 
#{{note|19}}Microsoft Website [http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/executives/default.mspx Uk executives] accessed 21/02/07
 
#{{note|20}}Microsoft Website [http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/executives/default.mspx Uk executives] accessed Microsoft Website [http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/executives/default.mspx Uk executives] accessed 21/02/0721/02/07
 
#{{note|21}}Microsoft Website [http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/executives/default.mspx Uk executives] accessed 21/02/07
 
{{note|22}}Microsoft Website [http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/executives/default.mspx Uk executives] accessed 21/02/07
 
{{note|23}}Microsoft Website [http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/executives/default.mspx Uk executives] accessed 21/02/07
 
{{note|24}}Microsoft Website [http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/executives/default.mspx Uk executives] accessed 21/02/07
 
#{{note|25}} Scotsman website Billionaire, benefactor...but is Bill Gates a force for good? [http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=161002007.html Microsoft and Scottish executive Agreement] accessed 28/02/07
 

Latest revision as of 11:16, 29 April 2016

History of Microsoft

The company was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 and generated profits of $16,000. In the 1980s microsoft flourished as it provided the operating system DOS for IBM’s PC.

Today Microsoft is an international company present in 102 different countries, employing 76,000 people and generalting a profit of $44.28 billion per year.

Microsoft takes up 18.3 million square feet of office building space and is ranked 15th in the world's top 500 companies. Microsoft's has driven 93% of the world's desktop computers since 1991 and its office software dominates 90% of the market and earns the company $9 billion a year. In 1990 Microsoft became the first software company to reach $1 billion in revenue. In 2003 Microsoft's revenue increased by $3.82 billion to $32.19 billion with a net income of $9993 billion. Although Microsoft have been accused of fraudulent accounting in order to show profit[1].

The company headquarters are in Redmond, Washington, USA. Microsoft have ownership of MSNBC cable television network, the MSN Internet portal, and the Microsoft Encarta multimedia encyclopedia.

The company has faced much controversy over the years as many have attributed their success to their illegal monopoly over operating systems which effectively pushes competition out of the market. The company has faced legal proceedings aroung the world and have been found guilty on the charges of holding an unfair monopoly. However, as microsoft are an extrmely rich company, the finacial penalties they face are insignificant and they often pay their way out of any legal obligations to rectify this monopoly.

Microsoft’s Philanthropy

Bill Gates likes to consider himself above all as a philanthropic man. At the Government Leaders Forum he quoted Carnegie: ‘he who dies rich dies disgraced.’ Although Gates found the funny side to this, saying that he was still working on it, his charity has been described as the ‘Microsoft of charities’. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was launched by a donation from Bill Gates of £54 million in 2000. Gates has a very philanthropic public image and has joined Bono on the cover of Time magazine as Humanitarian of the year and was voted 8th in the list of “Heroes of our Time” by the New Statesman.

However, the ‘Microsoft of charities’ may hold alternative meanings as it has been criticised for disinvestments. In January the Los Angeles Times exposed the foundation for investing over £254 million in oil companies including Royal Dutch Shell, Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Total who were being accused of causing health problems in Nigeria which, ironically, is another area of funding for the trust[2].

Microsoft's Partner Companies

Charteris plc

Resources

International role

Microsoft have faced criticism and legal action around the world. The main accusations are that they constitute a monopoly and effectively push competitors out of the market. Court cases in the US and Europe give some indication of how they conduct their business and political activities.

Lobbying firms

Notes

  1. Corporate Watch (2004) Microsoft: A Corporate ProfileCorporate Watch (accessed 05/04/07)
  2. MChinty, S (2007) Billionaire, benefactor...but is Bill Gates a force for good? The Scotsman 31st January (accessed 28/02/07)
  3. Register 1st September 2014 - 30th November 2014 APPC, accessed 28 January 2015
  4. Register 1st September 2014 - 30th November 2014 APPC, accessed 29 January 2015
  5. Register 1st September 2014 - 30th November 2014 APPC, accessed 29 January 2015
  6. Hanover Communications profile 2016, Register of consultant lobbyists, accessed 25 April 2016