REDMOND, Wash., July 28, 2003 — Today at the fourth annual Microsoft Research Faculty Summit, Microsoft Corp. Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates emphasized Microsoft’s vision for deep collaboration with institutions of higher learning to advance state-of-the-art software innovation in the 21st century. Speaking to more than 350 faculty researchers from leading institutions worldwide, Gates also announced the formation of the Hardware Empowerment Program (HEP) for Windows®
Embedded. The most recent program to empower university faculty with leading-edge technology, HEP enables universities to strengthen research and curricula through easier access to the hardware they need to innovate.
Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates (right) and Microsoft Research Senior Vice President Rick Rashid address attendees of the Microsoft Research Faculty Summit 2003 July 28 at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington. Click image for high-res version.
“The research and technologies coming out of university computer science, engineering and research facilities are truly amazing, which is why we continue to be so excited about our collaboration and investment with academia,” said Gates. “And, like our academic partners, we are optimistic that the answers to the toughest computing questions are just beginning to take shape through new breakthroughs.”
Gates underscored Microsoft’s optimistic view of technology by discussing Microsoft Research projects that offer innovative solutions to today’s technology problems in fields such as software development and quality, human-computer interaction, search capabilities, databases, and wireless technologies. By highlighting breakthroughs in Web services, storage, security and other areas, Gates emphasized Microsoft’s dedication to solving long-term technology problems through continued investment in research and development.
Enabling Academic Empowerment Through Technology Access
The Hardware Empowerment Program for Windows Embedded is the latest in a series of programs created to empower university faculty and students by ensuring that leading-edge technology is available to a broad academic audience. In collaboration with some of the top hardware manufacturers in the embedded industry, the HEP provides academia with quick and easy access to a wide variety of hardware at a discount, and includes the essential board support package for work on the core operating system. Announcing their participation in HEP today are Advantech Technologies Inc., Arcom Inc., ICOP Technology Corp., Intrinsyc Software Inc., Marvell Semiconductor Inc., Siemens, SuperH Inc. and VIA Technologies Inc.
The HEP is the latest example of Microsoft initiatives to empower academia. Last month, the company announced that 77 colleges and universities from more than 25 countries have been awarded Microsoft Research Innovation Excellence Awards for Windows Embedded with grants totaling $1.7 million to fund new research projects and curriculum development based on Microsoft®
Windows Embedded platforms. Professors and students have received Innovation Excellence grants totaling $5.2 million this year.
The HEP joins the Windows Embedded Academic Program to equip academia with an end-to-end embedded software and hardware offering that enables cutting-edge research and technology innovation. The Windows Embedded Academic Program is a free program that offers educators and researchers access to source code, development tools and project-development support. More information about the HEP and the Windows Embedded Academic Program can be found at http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/partners/academic/weacl/default.aspx .
As students and faculty members continue to embrace Microsoft embedded operating systems and technology, Microsoft is recognizing the individuals whose significant contributions and hard work help enable academia to achieve success with technology. Today Microsoft is awarding Professor Kane Kim of the University of California, Irvine, with the Windows Embedded Academic Excellence Award for significant contributions to the academic community through Windows Embedded research and curricula. Most notably, Professor Kim set up an embedded training center and lab at the university that enables students to get real-world experience working with embedded operating systems. This award is presented annually to researchers and professors who have significantly contributed to the Windows Embedded community through research and curriculum efforts.
Microsoft Research University Relations created the annual Faculty Summit in 2000 to provide another forum for the exchange of information and ideas, facilitate discussions on key computing problems, and collaborate to shape the future of computing. Academics will present their latest research projects and findings during breakout sessions, and view presentations and demonstrations from Microsoft that highlight the company’s current research and products in development.
This year’s event brings together more than 350 academic researchers representing 115 institutions in 11 countries. Dozens of collaborative research projects between Microsoft and university partners will be discussed and displayed throughout the event in key technology areas such as Trustworthy Computing, Microsoft .NET programming, mobility tools, and technology-enabled approaches to learning.
About Microsoft Research University Relations
Microsoft Research University Relations, a division of Microsoft Research, is dedicated to building world-class relationships with colleges and universities that enhance the teaching and learning experience, inspire technological innovation and establish Microsoft as a leading technology partner for higher education. Microsoft invests $100 million annually in support of research and education worldwide.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
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