Futures, Microsoft’s online technology policy portal, keeps you up-to-date with the latest developments in an evolving industry. With viewpoints from government leaders, industry practitioners and technology specialists.
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Record software donations
Microsoft Australia reached new heights with the Software Donation Program last financial year donating more than $42 million dollars’ worth of software to over 2,700 community organisations. This amazing outcome is a 20 percent increase on last year’s already impressive figure.
This month Accenture released their UN Global Compact CEO Study 2010, which suggests that we are entering a “new era of sustainability”. This is an era where sustainability is not seen as a separate “feel good” social responsibility initiative but rather a driving force embedded into the way businesses develop their products and services, manage their operations, supply chains and subsidiaries.
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This week the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications tabled its report of the inquiry into cybercrime . Last year Microsoft presented at the public hearing of the inquiry and stated that alongside the incredible advances from technology comes the inevitable increase in the level of risk to individuals, business and governments.
Last week Microsoft Australia was recognised for its contribution and support for Vision Australia’s i-access program.
(Opinion piece published in Australian Financial Review, 12 June 2010)Late last year, I had the opportunity to visit a community centre at the Collingwood public housing estate in Melbourne. The centre acts as a hub for the estate and is the base from which a dedicated training program, run by Infoxchange, a community organisation, is helping the residents to learn basic computers skills.
As part of National Cyber Security Awareness Week, Microsoft Australia in partnership with the Australian Federal Police hosted an online safety presentation, in North Ryde targeting parents, carers and teachers.
It is clear to most that the Internet provides significant benefits for individuals, business and governments. In particular, the Internet has enabled massive improvements in SME productivity from simple time saving tasks resulting from online banking through to the freedom of the smart phone.
CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology have recently released an excellent summary of State of the Climate snapshot. This document sets out the compelling evidence that climate change is real, unavoidable and already happening in Australia. Governments, businesses and communities must work together to consider how we mitigate and deal with climate change in Australia. Together we must develop, and transition to, a low carbon, digital economy.
The Purchasing with Purpose Expo was launched today (1 June) by the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities Bill Shorten MP. The Expo came about as part of the National Procurement Management project, funded by FaHCSIA (Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs), implemented by NDS (National Disability Services), and supported by Microsoft Australia. The project is designed to increase government procurement from ADEs (Australian Disability Enterprises) which, in turn, will support the ongoing sustainability of this vital sector.