Microsoft and Internet for All

[JMH]

The world is currently in a globalization state of mind so Microsoft thought that it would be good time to go the same way and work with governments around the world to make Internet access available to everyone.

The company has launched the Shape the Future program, a program that works with national or municipal governments in public-private partnerships, to connect the billions of people that currently don't have Internet, the priority being students and their families as well as educators.

Dan MacFetridge, business development director for Microsoft’s Shape the Future program said that “education is always a government priority, but changing the conversation from ‘prove that a PC makes for better grades’ to one where you can demonstrate the political and economic value makes these initiatives rise to the top of a government’s priority list.”

The Shape the Future program has already been launched in several countries, including the Philippines, Georgia, Brazil, Kuwait, the UK and Portugal, and so far it is a win-win-win situation for all parties, as MacFetridge says.

The governments are improving social and economic development as well as the country’s competitiveness, by easing digital teaching and learning skills for teachers and students, and at the same time, students and their families have access to information anytime and anywhere, which makes studying and a career more successful.

More -
Microsoft and Internet for All - Softpedia

 

[Layback Bear]

I still don't really have a understanding who pays for this.

 

[BugMeister]

- build it, they will come..

 

[Alphamale]

There is approximately 7 to 8 billion people in this world. So who are the billions who do not have internet?

 

[windrider]

I am sure there are lots without internet yet, but I think they should worry more about switching to IPv6 so more IP addresses will be available as they are running out on IPv4

 

[Dave76]

INTERNET USAGE STATISTICS
The Internet Big Picture
World Internet Users and Population Stats





As of June 30, 2010

World population 6.846 billion

World Internet Users - Latest Data 1.967 billion

World Penetration (% Population) 28.7 %

 

[marsmimar]

Maybe I've become jaded and cynical as I've gotten older but I see this as a way for Microsoft to try to increase net profits. If they can help more people have access to the internet those people will need operating systems and other software. Microsoft is hoping it will be their software that people turn to and not the readily available (and free) Linux, Open Office, etc.

 

[spyknee]

Maybe I've become jaded and cynical as I've gotten older but I see this as a way for Microsoft to try to increase net profits. If they can help more people have access to the internet those people will need operating systems and other software. Microsoft is hoping it will be their software that people turn to and not the readily available (and free) Linux, Open Office, etc.

I believe its called capitolism.
Globalization is unchecked capitolism. Only one who benefits is banks and insurance companies. Certainly killed the American middle class.

 

[Colonel Travis]

Maybe I've become jaded and cynical as I've gotten older but I see this as a way for Microsoft to try to increase net profits. If they can help more people have access to the internet those people will need operating systems and other software. Microsoft is hoping it will be their software that people turn to and not the readily available (and free) Linux, Open Office, etc.

I believe its called capitolism.
Globalization is unchecked capitolism. Only one who benefits is banks and insurance companies. Certainly killed the American middle class.

This is one of the most ludicrous things I've read on here. It's spelled capitalism, by the way.

 

[Dave76]

In my humble opinion, anything to help with education and information access for the occupants of this planet is a positive step.

It is inevitable that some people will make money from this, large companies and small local shops.
This is also good. Hopefully the large companies will help by drastically reducing the prices and make this easier for the less fortunate.

I have had the opportunity to visit, not just a holiday but for over 20 years, some of the continents and countries that could benefit from internet access.