Microsoft’s mission is to enable people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential. The company works to fulfill this mission by developing innovative software that transforms the way people work, learn and communicate. Another way is by using its resources and expertise to help expand social and economic opportunities in communities around the world.

With approximately 500 million people currently using Microsoft Windows and 450 million people using Microsoft Office, the release of the next generation of these products, Windows Vista and the 2007 Office system, will have widespread reach. Both products will have a positive impact on broad economic and societal issues -- key among these is providing access to technology in a language that is familiar to users and which honors unique cultural distinctions.

To get an insider’s view of how Windows Vista and the 2007 Office system enhance security and online safety, demonstrate responsible business practices and grow the knowledge economy, PressPass spoke with Jean-Philippe Courtois, president, Microsoft International. Courtois leads sales, marketing and services for all regions outside the U.S. and Canada, and shares responsibility for Microsoft’s worldwide public sector team, directing the company’s engagement with governments around the globe.

Courtois, who places a high priority on spreading the benefits of technology for economic and social development, is attending the Government Leaders Forum Europe, an annual event that examines the citizen-government connections required to achieve European competitiveness and explore the role that information and communications technology plays in its success.