Posting without comment...
microsoft.com
September 16, 1999
Dear Shareholder:
I am sure you share the commitment that Bill Gates
and every one of our 30,000 employees have to
produce great software that helps improve people's
lives. I'm proud of Microsoft's role in helping create
the most innovative and competitive industry in
America today; an industry that truly is driving
America's economy forward and making the United
States the global leader in technology.
Our success--and that of the information technology
industry as a whole--is due in large measure to the
entrepreneurial spirit and free market economy that
has allowed the entire industry to innovate rapidly.
Unfortunately, this economic environment cannot be
taken for granted. As you know, there have been
recent efforts by our competitors to lobby
policymakers for more regulation. They are pushing for
more regulation, litigation and government
intervention, without recognizing how their actions
could choke off innovation and threaten the continued
vitality of our industry as a whole.
It is important that our government leaders hear from
consumers like you about the policies that will affect
America's ability to continue to lead in the
Information Age. We believe consumers should decide
what products they want to buy, based on quality and
what best meets their needs. If you agree, I would
like to invite you to join me--and the thousands of
individuals like you who have already expressed their
support--in this public debate.
To help make your voice heard, we have created the
Freedom to Innovate Network at
www.microsoft.com/freedomtoinnovate/. Regardless
of your perspective, this tool will allow you to share
your views, send a letter or email to your elected
officials, and receive free updates on important policy
issues facing Microsoft and the information technology
industry. Please take a moment to sign up for the
Freedom to Innovate Network by clicking on this link,
or by calling our toll free number at 1-888-642-4097.
All of us at Microsoft are committed to meeting the
exciting technological challenges and opportunities
ahead. Through hard work and dedication we will
continue to design innovative and affordable products
for consumers. I hope you'll consider lending your
support to policies that will help promote the
continued success of Microsoft, our industry and
America's leadership in the information age by joining
the Freedom to Innovate Network today.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Herbold
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
P.S. For more information about the FIN and how you
can help, contact Kim Poysky, the FIN director at
msfin@microsoft.com. |
