Bill Gates: Backing Govt Web Project

Microsoft will donate software and support to Government On-Line, a project jointly launched by China Telecom, China_s State Economic and Trade Commission (SETC) and 40 other government departments. The initiative is aimed at improving the image and working efficiency of the government and co-sharing of information resources. Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates indicated his support for the project. "Microsoft is committed to helping build the "digital nervous systems" that will lead to our digital future. We will fortify cooperation with all parties, including the Chinese government, to accelerate the development of the information industry, with the government setting an example of leadership through this project." Microsoft will donate Windows NT Server, SQL Server 7.0 and Exchange to the project--software that will serve as the backbone for the project. In addition, the company will provide technical support and consulting services to these ministries for the implementation of this project. " However,the move by Microsoft was undoubtedly to ingratiate itself with the Chinese authorities who signed an agreement with the software giant during Gates_ visit to promote the use of authentic software and crackdown on copyright privacy.