09.15.11
Posted in Africa, Bill Gates, Cablegate, Microsoft at 4:58 pm by Dr. Roy Schestowitz
Summary: A good demonstration of how Microsoft and Gates manage to manage governments by proxy
According to the following Cablegate cable, the Ministry of Investment (MOI) in Egypt is not quite working on its own. “On behalf of MOI,” says ¶6, “Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates launched a website, www.investment.gov.eg in January 2005, to serve as Egypt’s investment portal.”
Since when does Bill govern Egypt or run its economy? There is a lot of other interesting stuff in the cables below, but it is probably of most interest to Egyptians who wish to understand how Mubarak’s regime has harmed them by giving control to imperialists who export weapons (at taxpayers’ expense).
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09.14.11
Posted in Africa, Microsoft at 5:30 pm by Dr. Roy Schestowitz
Summary: A cable explaining Microsoft’s affairs with the Algerian government
THE FOLLOWING Cablegate cable is from almost 4 years ago and it helps complete this other insulting cable from in Algeria.
VZCZCXRO2537
RR RUEHTRO
DE RUEHAS #1581/01 3030607
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 300607Z OCT 07
FM AMEMBASSY ALGIERS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4760
INFO RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 2384
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 1738
RUEHMD/AMEMBASSY MADRID 8660
RUEHRB/AMEMBASSY RABAT 1990
RUEHTU/AMEMBASSY TUNIS 6841
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI
RUEHNK/AMEMBASSY NOUAKCHOTT 6077
RUEHNM/AMEMBASSY NIAMEY 1332
RUEHBP/AMEMBASSY BAMAKO 0280
RUEHCL/AMCONSUL CASABLANCA 3105
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ALGIERS 001581
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON [Economic Conditions], EINV [Foreign Investments], ETRD [Foreign Trade], KIPR [Intellectual Property Rights], AG [Algeria]
SUBJECT: (MICRO)SOFT DIPLOMACY, VERSION 1.0
¶1. (U) SUMMARY: Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer paid a brief visit to
Algeria in a trip touted as an opportunity for Microsoft to help the
GOA expand Algeria's information and communications technology (ICT)
sector and enhance its education system. Ballmer said he was
inspired by the GOA's commitment to technology development and by
the potential for market growth in Algeria. ICT insiders suggested
that the CEO visited Algeria in an effort to enhance Microsoft's
government relations, and to signal that its recently reorganized
business unit is serious about this market. Meanwhile, firms are
optimistic about the ICT sector in Algeria, but are skeptical about
whether Microsoft can effectively expand its software marketing
here, or expect to make any progress combating piracy. END
SUMMARY.
¶2. (U) In a whirlwind visit on October 3, Ballmer met with President
Bouteflika and several ministers to discuss the development of the
technology sector in Algeria, the use of IT start-up companies as a
means to energize the Algerian economy, and access to computers in
Algeria's schools. Ballmer later told a group of Microsoft partner
firms that the greatest growth potential for the ICT industry lies
in emerging markets like Algeria, where ICT structures can be
expanded to tap into significant populations hungry for access to
Web-based entertainment and educational services. (Note: 7.3
percent of the Algerian population has access to the Internet,
compared to a 0.2 percent penetration rate in 2000, according to
recent data compiled by the International Telecommunication Union.
End note.) Ballmer said that he came to Algeria to evaluate his
local team's recommendations for expansion, which he will consider
in early 2008. He told the industry group that he was "inspired by
the president's thoughtfulness toward the future," and that he saw
potential growth across all economic sectors.
BUT STILL, WHY COME TO ALGERIA?
-------------------------------
¶3. (SBU) Microsoft recently split its regional marketing division
and created the Microsoft Algeria business unit. Because of the
terrorist activity in Algeria in the 1990s, Microsoft established
its North African headquarters in Morocco, which local IT
representatives and former Microsoft employees say the GOA never
forgave. Ballmer's visit to Algeria appeared timed to show
corporate support for the new Algerian unit's government relations
efforts, and an attempt to relieve past tensions between the GOA and
Microsoft.
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL, BUT SO DO CLONES AND PIRATES
--------------------------------------------- -----
¶4. (SBU) Industry representatives told Econoff that they were
optimistic about the near-term future of the ICT sector in Algeria.
Abdelaziz Ben Aissa, the general manager of a certified Microsoft
business solutions firm, said that the GOA seems focused on ICT
issues and opportunities are expanding. Ben Aissa's firm provides
support services for Northrop Grumman information systems. He works
extensively with the Algerian federal police, with whom he expects
more contracts to support expanding communications and information
systems. Djamal Hadjout, the information services director of an
Algerian wholesaler representing a number of leading American
computer periphery brands, said business is generally growing and
that retailers are finding new customers among both Algerian
corporate and individual consumers. He noted that American products
continue to be associated with quality and prestige but are
considered expensive.
¶5. (U) IT representatives were at the same time skeptical that
Microsoft will be able to raise significantly its stake in the
Algerian consumer software market or to combat piracy effectively
because of the relatively high price of its products and the
continued weakening of Algerians' buying power. They said that most
personal computers sold to households are clones assembled in
Algeria, and that most people buy pirated copies of operating
systems like Windows and other software applications for as little
as two dollars. Further, according to recent news reports,
electronics represents the second-largest category of goods smuggled
into Algeria (after cigarettes), and overall customs seizures of
contraband rose significantly throughout 2007. Given Algeria's
rising cost of living and high unemployment rate, the ICT
representatives saw little hope that Microsoft will be able to
counter these IPR challenges anytime soon. Ballmer was asked about
this dilemma, but gave only a general response about his company's
ALGIERS 00001581 002 OF 002
commitment to finding innovative solutions to specific markets and
his confidence that the GOA will move in a positive direction
regarding ICT use and development in Algeria.
¶6. (SBU) COMMENT: Ballmer's visit, along with the recent creation of
Microsoft Algeria, likely went a long way to meeting Microsoft's
government relations goals. Some in the business world interpreted
President Bouteflika's overt hospitality to a corporate leader as a
sign that the GOA is serious about its stated intent to build out
Algeria's ICT sector, improve the country's education system through
access to technology, and see that every Algerian family has a
computer at home. Nonetheless, the challenges of contraband
hardware and pirated software remain significant as the high cost of
living continues to influence not only consumer decisions regarding
brand preference and when to buy, but also the choice between
licensed, cloned or pirated goods.
FORD
This is the perspective of US diplomats. They ignore all the critics of these affairs, as one might expect (sometimes, as we have shown before using other cables, critics are comped to “conspiracy theorists”). █
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09.09.11
Posted in Africa, Cablegate, GNU/Linux, Microsoft at 3:08 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz
Summary: A look at how Microsoft representatives describe GNU/Linux behind the scenes
THE scandal of Microsoft in Tunisia has received a lot of press attention. It now has a detailed Wikipedia page about it. Techrights looked into several other cables from Tunisia and found the following Cablegate cable which says: “Microsoft gave the example of PC procurement, in which the GOT procurement commission does not specify an operating system in their RFPs. This results in the PCs being shipped with the Linux,s open source operating system, which does not support Microsoft software. The Microsoft representative argued that this has encouraged piracy and resulted in GOT PCs using pirated Microsoft software. She continued that the fact that the EU Commission and the African Development Bank accept these GOT procurement laws only encourages the GOT to maintain government procurement on lowest cost basis.”
To Microsoft, “Linux” and “piracy” are interchangeable. Microsoft wants officials to believe that nothing except Windows can ever be used. Here is the cable in its entirety.
VZCZCXYZ0002
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DE RUEHTU #1286/01 2640644
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 210644Z SEP 07
FM AMEMBASSY TUNIS
TO RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3899
INFO RUCNMGH/MAGHREB COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHAD/AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI PRIORITY 0928
UNCLAS TUNIS 001286
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EEB (DIBBLE), NEA/MAG (HOPKINS AND HARRIS)
STATE PASS USTR (BURKHEAD)
USDOC FOR (VINEYARD AND MASON), ADVOCACY CTR (JAMES),
USDOC PASS USPTO (ADAMS, BROWN AND MARSHALL)
CAIRO FOR FINANCIAL ATTACHE (SEVERENS)
LONDON AND PARIS FOR NEA WATCHER
EB/CBA (WINSTEAD), EB/TRA/AN(FINSTON),
CASABLANCA FOR FCS (ORTIZ)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON [Economic Conditions], EFIN [Financial and Monetary Affairs], ETRD [Foreign Trade], TS [Tunisia]
SUBJECT: TUNISIA: US BUSINESSES BRIEF ECONOMIC DELEGATION
ON BUSINESS CLIMATE
REF: A. TUNIS 1249
B. TUNIS 1261
-------
Summary
-------
¶1. (SBU) During the September 9-12 visit of an interagency
business delegation (reftels), EEB PDAS Dibble met with
representatives from a cross-section of US businesses
currently operating in Tunisia to discuss the business
climate in general and the issues that impede their
operations. PDAS Dibble gave an overview of the
delegation's meetings with the GOT and the unique nature of
this delegation. She indicated that the primary purpose of
this visit was to push the GOT for improvements in the
investment climate and to discuss the way forward in the
US/Tunisia bilateral economic relationship. Department of
Commerce DAS Holly Vineyard outlined the IPR points that were
presented to GOT representatives from all relevant ministries
attending the delegation's meeting with the Minister of
Development and International Cooperation. USTR Director for
European and Middle Eastern Trade Affairs, Paul Burkhead
outlined the Trade Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and
the USG's objective of an eventual Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
between the United States and Tunisia. US companies said
that Tunisia is a central location for entering other
markets, but bureaucracy and lack of transparency hinder
their expansion. End Summary.
-----------------------------
What Tunisia has Going for It
-----------------------------
¶2. (SBU) Nearly all of the US business representatives
agreed that Tunisia is an attractive base from which to
target and serve the Mahgreb, European, and Sub-Saharan
African markets. They emphasized that the business climate
is improving and the mobility and quality and talent of
available human resources is above average. Tunisian
employees are highly educated and interested in learning new
technologies. The US IT firms represented opined that
Tunisian interest in new technologies presents an opportunity
to sell and to install the latest technologies. Business
representatives also said that the comparatively favorable
cost of labor also makes Tunisia an attractive venue for
investment.
--------------------------------
Frustrating Impediments to Trade
--------------------------------
¶3. (SBU) While Tunisia has many good qualities, it is the
domestic impediments to operating a business in Tunisia that
have some US businesspeople thinking twice about investing in
or expanding their investment in Tunisia. Issues raised
included a lack of transparency and predictability, lack of
access to the local market, GOT procurement laws, limits on
the number of expatriate employees permitted in country, visa
issues, the slowness and arbitrarily high price of internet
service, and the language barrier.
-------------------------------
Transparency and Predictability
-------------------------------
¶4. (U) Company representatives explained that GOT
decision-making is extremely slow and there is no central
contact for a company to approach and receive a definitive
answer to their particular concerns. Information on upcoming
projects or tenders is also difficult to obtain and major
projects are often pre-awarded before a tender becomes
public. One US representative stated that the lack of
predictability affected his ability to do long-term business
planning/forecasting. Participants noted that, because US
businesses forecast based on risk, the lack of predictability
in Tunisia makes them more reticent to invest.
--------------------------------------------- -------------
Access to the Local Market & Government Procurement Policy
--------------------------------------------- -------------
¶5. (U) In general, the GOT seldom permits foreign businesses
to compete on the local market but instead encourages FDI in
the off-shore and manufacturing for export sectors. US
companies told PDAS Dibble that establishing a subsidiary
branch in Tunisia is not cost-effective unless they are
allowed to compete on the local market. There are several US
companies who have been authorized to compete on the local
market. They admitted that it was neither easy nor quick to
obtain such permission, but indicated that GOT ministers are
open to hearing about specific proposals. Further, if a
company can demonstrate the benefits of its
projects/products, the relevant ministers can obtain
authorizations to compete on the local market. Several of
the high tech companies said that the product registration
and certification process is extremely long and must be
conducted for each reseller. In order to simplify this
process, they would like to see a homologation law passed
which would authorize registration and certification on a per
product basis.
¶6. (SBU) Companies also complained that the GOT government
procurement law and policy, which is based on lowest price
rather than best quality, excludes them from competing in the
marketplace. A Prime Ministry commission controls
procurement and, instead of requiring that a product meet
certain specifications or technical standards, its requests
for proposals (RFPs) always go for the lowest priced product.
US companies selling quality products cannot compete on a
price basis. Microsoft gave the example of PC procurement,
in which the GOT procurement commission does not specify an
operating system in their RFPs. This results in the PCs
being shipped with the Linux,s open source operating system,
which does not support Microsoft software. The Microsoft
representative argued that this has encouraged piracy and
resulted in GOT PCs using pirated Microsoft software. She
continued that the fact that the EU Commission and the
African Development Bank accept these GOT procurement laws
only encourages the GOT to maintain government procurement on
a lowest cost basis.
-----------------------
Authorized Expatriates
-----------------------
¶7. (SBU) Tunisian law currently allows foreign companies to
obtain visas for only four expatriate employees at any given
time, but companies report that this number can be increased
on a case-by-case basis. (Note: GOT officials had indicated
to EmbOffs last year that the law was going to be updated to
allow 10 expatriates per company, but this has not yet been
implemented. End Note.) This limitation on expatriates is a
problem for US companies particularly when they are initially
starting up their operations in Tunisia. For example,
Parsons Corporation, a major US engineering firm currently
considering investing in Tunisia, said that this restriction
would present a problem. The Parsons representative argued
that his company has a quality product to deliver and an
excellent reputation to maintain. Thus, if it were to invest
in Tunisia, Parsons would need to bring in a minimum of 12
expatriate Parsons engineers per project. The GOT has told
Parsons that the number of expatriates allowed is negotiable,
but the company would prefer that the law be repealed, so
that there would be not uncertainty. Most US companies
present concurred. Similarly, US companies mentioned that
their ability to provide quality services to their clients
was impeded by the difficulty some of their expatriate staff
face in obtaining visas to enter Tunisia on a temporary basis
in order to train Tunisian employees or to provide expertise
on a particular project.
---------------
Internet Access
---------------
¶8. (U) US companies said that 95 percent of business today
is conducted over the Internet. Thus, reliable and
cost-effective Internet access was paramount to their
success. Most of the companies present at the roundtable
complained about the slow speed of Internet connections in
Tunisia and the high cost of dedicated leased lines between
two points. Another issue related to Internet access was
GOT's encryption requirement that all encryption keys must be
provided to the National Digital Encryption Agency (ANCE).
Providing such information was described as a nonstarter by
US companies providing services where protection of fiscal or
personal data was critical. While most companies indicated
that they could find ways around this requirement, they
nonetheless argued that the encryption key requirement should
be abolished.
--------
Language
--------
¶9. (U) Several participants raised English language
capabilities of the Tunisian work force as an important
factor when considering whether to set up business operations
in Tunisia. Acknowledging that most US company executives
are not multi-lingual and conduct business in English, all
companies said that English language capability was a
necessary element to allow the Tunisian subsidiary management
to effectively communicate with its employees and with its US
headquarters. Several Tunisian nationals representing US
companies noted, however, that the GOT recognizes the
importance of English and has made efforts to address this
issue. They pointed out that Tunisian schools now encourage
English language study from the primary to the university
level.
-------
Comment
-------
¶10. (SBU) Although the business roundtable was a late
addition to the economic delegation,s program, it proved to
be an excellent opportunity for all. Members of the
delegation were able to learn first-hand about the benefits
achieved and drawbacks faced by US businesses in Tunisia. At
the same time, US businesses were able to learn about USG
advocacy for an improved business climate in Tunisia. The
general consensus drawn from this discussion seems to be that
despite the shortcomings, US companies investing in Tunisia
have made the right decision. End Comment.
¶11. (SBU) This cable has been cleared by EEB/PDAS Dibble.
GODEC
Worth noting is the part which says: “Business representatives also said that the comparatively favorable cost of labor also makes Tunisia an attractive venue for investment.”
This is how they value people, eh? █
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09.08.11
Posted in Africa, Microsoft at 4:46 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz
Summary: Algeria is being pressured by US diplomats at the behest of Microsoft Corporation
MICROSOFT AND its own bully, the BSA, are taking on large nations behind the scenes, using bogus data and weak claims (that usage is a lost sale) to portray itself as a victim and then pressure governments to: 1) pay Microsoft for shoddy software they do not need and 2) indoctrinate the population and government employees so that they become dependent on Microsoft in the long run.
The following Cablegate cable shows Microsoft’s modus operadi:
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PP RUEHTRO
DE RUEHAS #0190 0501757
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 191757Z FEB 08
FM AMEMBASSY ALGIERS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5286
INFO RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 2555
RUEHEG/AMEMBASSY CAIRO 0997
RUEHMD/AMEMBASSY MADRID 8809
RUEHRB/AMEMBASSY RABAT 2173
RUEHTU/AMEMBASSY TUNIS 7025
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI
RUEHNK/AMEMBASSY NOUAKCHOTT 6228
RUEHNM/AMEMBASSY NIAMEY 1474
RUEHBP/AMEMBASSY BAMAKO 0423
RUEHCL/AMCONSUL CASABLANCA 3261
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
UNCLAS ALGIERS 000190
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE PASS TO USTR - PBURKHEAD
COMMERCE FOR NMASON
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON, BEXP, KIPR, ETRD, AG
SUBJECT: MICROSOFT'S IPR WOES
REF: 07 ALGIERS 1581
THIS CABLE CONTAINS COMPANY PROPRIETARY INFORMATION NOT TO BE
SHARED OUTSIDE USG.
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: During a February 19 meeting, Microsoft
Algeria Director General Samir Said outlined Microsoft's
priorities for Algeria and underscored the negative impact
weak intellectual property rights (IPR) protection is having
on Microsoft's financial bottom line and growth potential.
Said estimated that Microsoft is losings tens of millions of
dollars each year to software piracy in Algeria and argued
that the Algerian government has not demonstrated the
political will to enforce IPR. Said stated that, in addition
to antipiracy efforts, Microsoft's main priorites are to
continue working with the Algerian government (its largest
customer in Algeria), to recruit qualified employees, and to
revive partnerships with Algerian ICT companies. END SUMMARY.
2. (SBU) Microsoft Algeria DG Samir Said lamented that the
Algerian government is not taking stronger action to prevent
software piracy and argued that the situation had worsened
during 2007. According to a Business Software Alliance
Survey, the rate of software piracy increased slightly from
2006 to 2007, from 84 percent to 85 percent. Said stated that
"losses are huge" and asserted that Microsoft is losings tens
of millions of dollars each year. Said estimated that a 10
percent reduction in software piracy -- from the current
estimate of 85 percent to 75 percent -- would yield an
additional 25 million USD in annual profits.
3. (SBU) Said emphasized that Algeria is an important market
for Microsoft and that there is clear potential here if the
Algerian government provides greater support for IPR
protection. While he noted that there is a trend towards
purchasing licensed software in government ministries,
licenses have only been purchased as part of new system
purchases and many ministries continue to use unlicensed
software on previously purchased computers. Said stated that
he is not seeing any will to enforce IPR protection in terms
of software licensing. He told us that none of the estimated
50 to 60 thousand home personal computers sold as part of the
Algerian government's "Ousratic" initiative to expand home
PC-ownership were sold with Microsoft-licensed software.
Although Microsoft informed the Minister of Communications
Technology of this breach, Said said that the government has
not taken any action to enforce compliance. During the
October visit of Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer (reftel), the
Algerian government promised to address enforcement, but Said
stated he had seen no change since then. He added that he
often hears the argument that Microsoft must give a "good
price," but in the end licensed software will always be more
expensive than the pirated version.
4. (SBU) Said stated that, in addition to antipiracy efforts,
Microsoft Algeria's main priorities are to continue working
with the Algerian government, recruit qualified employees,
and revive partnerships with Algerian ICT companies. Between
ministries and state-owned enterprises, the government
remains Microsoft's largest customer in Algeria and Microsoft
will continue to work with it despite IPR concerns. Said
echoed an oft-heard complaint in saying that he is unable to
find qualified employees among recent graduates. Although
there are nearly 2500 graduates with degrees in ICT,
according to Said, there are few who have the skills required
to be competitive in the job market. Microsoft Algeria is
also interested in partnering with Algerian ICT companies to
help promote local software development; however, Said noted
that this goal is dependent upon improved IPR protection.
5. (SBU) COMMENT: Serious antipiracy efforts in Algeria are
critical not only for Microsoft but for Algeria's economy
writ large. Although the Algerian government has stated its
intent to develop the local ICT sector, rising rates of
software piracy will do little to encourage the necessary
investment or technology transfer. The Embassy's Special 301
Review (septel) will address the Algerian government's
overall IPR protection efforts.
FORD
That last part is very typical and it is seen in many cables. Microsoft is trying to say that if the government pays Microsoft a lot of money, then opportunities will open up for the nation. That’s a just load of propaganda, injected by public officials at the behest of Microsoft. █
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09.04.11
Posted in Africa, Free/Libre Software, Microsoft at 6:33 pm by Dr. Roy Schestowitz
Summary: Gory details (given the revolution that came later) leak out through Wikileaks, which helps show how Microsoft does politics to impose user-hostile software on entire nations, defying their policies in the process
Found via the post “Microsoft et Ben Ali : Wikileaks confirme les soupçons d’une aide pour la surveillance des citoyens Tunisiens” was this very interesting diplomatic cable which sheds light on collaboration between two thugs, Steve Ballmer and Ben Ali. It not only shows Microsoft driving over Free software policies but it also shows Microsoft assisting the government’s attack on the population, which later overthrew Ben Ali. Those who insist that software is not political can bury their heads in the sand or alternatively read the following Cablegate cable. We emphasise some bits of interest in it:
VZCZCXRO7019
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DE RUEHTU #2424/01 2651044
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 221044Z SEP 06
FM AMEMBASSY TUNIS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1903
INFO RUEHAD/AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI PRIORITY 0796
RUEHAS/AMEMBASSY ALGIERS PRIORITY 7294
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON PRIORITY 1182
RUEHNK/AMEMBASSY NOUAKCHOTT PRIORITY 0784
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS PRIORITY 1635
RUEHRB/AMEMBASSY RABAT PRIORITY 8221
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI PRIORITY 0395
RUEHCL/AMCONSUL CASABLANCA PRIORITY 3995
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TUNIS 002424
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/MAG (HARRIS) AND EB/CIP
STATE PASS USTR (BELL), USPTO (ADLIN AND ADAMS), USAID
(MCCLOUD)
USDOC FOR ITA/MAC/ONE (ROTH), ADVOCACY CTR (JAMES), AND
CLDP (TEJTEL)
CASABLANCA FOR FCS (ORTIZ)
LONDON AND PARIS FOR NEA WATCHER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/22/2016
TAGS: ECON TINT KIPR ECPS TS
SUBJECT: MICROSOFT INKS AGREEMENT WITH GOT
¶1. (SBU) Summary: During the Microsoft Government Leaders
Forum in South Africa July 11-12, the GOT and the Microsoft
Corporation signed a partnership agreement that provides for
Microsoft investment in training, research, and development,
but also commits the GOT to using licensed Microsoft
software. According to Microsoft Tunisia Director General
Salwa Smaoui, the agreement is a win-win for both Microsoft
and the GOT. The negotiation process and the brokered deal
itself are illustrative of GOT priorities and the cost of
doing business in Tunisia. End Summary.
¶2. (SBU) The agreement between Microsoft and the GOT was
signed in July during the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum
in South Africa. Although signed in July, information about
the agreement has not been forthcoming from either the GOT or
Microsoft and, despite repeated requests, Microsoft has yet
to provide post with a copy of the final agreement. In a
September meeting with EconOffs, Microsoft Tunisia Director
General Salwa Smaoui provided an overview of the main points.
The final agreement outlines cooperation on GOT
e-governance, cyber security, intellectual property rights,
and capacity development for Tunisian information technology
programs. Microsoft will establish a Microsoft Innovation
Center in Tunisia for developing local software production
capacity by providing training and consulting services to
software developers. Expanding the Tunisian IT sector has
become a priority for the GOT as a way to absorb the growing
number of unemployed university graduates. According to
Smaoui, the GOT invests approximately one percent of GDP in
research and development in the IT sector. Microsoft has
also agreed to provide training to handicapped Tunisians to
enable them to seek employment in the IT sector by
telecommuting. (Note: President Ben Ali's wife Leila Ben Ali
runs a charity for handicapped Tunisians. End Note.)
¶3. (U) As part of the agreement, Microsoft will help the GOT
to upgrade and modernize its computers and networking
capabilities. In turn, the GOT agreed to purchase twelve
thousand licenses to update government computers with
official Microsoft software, rather than the pirated versions
that have been commonly used, according to one Microsoft
employee. Since 2001, the GOT adopted an open software
policy, using only free software programs. Additionally,
future GOT tenders for IT equipment will specify that the
equipment must be Microsoft compatible, which is currently
prohibited by the Tunisian open software policy.
¶4. (SBU) The agreement also touches on internet security.
Through a program on cyber criminality, Microsoft will train
government officials in the Ministries of Justice and
Interior on how to use computers and the internet to fight
crime. As part of this program, Microsoft will provide the
GOT with original source codes for its programs. When asked
by EconOff whether Microsoft had any concerns about releasing
its source codes, Smaoui replied that the source codes would
only be available to a small number of officials.
Nevertheless, the agreement contains language stating the
Microsoft and the GOT will work jointly on intellectual
property rights. This agreement also provides for a separate
agreement to be signed creating a security cooperation
program that will provide more general internet security
training to the public.
¶5. (C) According to Smaoui, the agreement is the culmination
of a five-year negotiation process. Smaoui was named
Microsoft's Director General for Tunisia about one year ago
and, although currently hesitant to fully disclose the final
details, provided frequent updates to Post on the progress of
the negotiations. She reported that at times the GOT's
suspicion of Microsoft because of its "American-ness" seemed
to outweigh its technical evaluation of the proposal. She
said that she had been asked several times by GOT ministers
why, as a Tunisian, she was "working for the Americans," and
often felt suspicion bordering on hostility during the
negotiations. Smaoui also noted that the GOT wanted a
TUNIS 00002424 002 OF 002
"tailor-made" agreement, rather than a prepackaged program
that would be "imposed" on Tunisia. This attitude towards
the negotiation process required Microsoft to focus just as
carefully on the presentation as the substance.
¶6. (C) In a call on DCM a few days before the South Africa
Forum, Smaoui worried that she was going to the Forum without
a signed agreement in hand and could not confirm that the
GOT's representative would even show up. She fretted that
she might have to confess to Bill Gates that she had no
reason to be at the Forum. In the event, Khedija Ghariani,
Secretary of State for Computers, Internet, and Free
SIPDIS
Software, attended and signed the agreement on behalf of the
GOT. Despite the drawn-out negotiations, Smaoui stated that
reaching an agreement was "vital" for Microsoft. The fact
that the government relied on open source software
drastically limited business in Tunisia and prevented
Microsoft from participating in GOT tenders. Additionally,
the agreement reinforces an objective both Microsoft and the
GOT share -- establishing a knowledge society. Smaoui stated
that even though Microsoft will be investing in Tunisia, the
sum of investment will be lower than the cost of GOT
purchases.
¶7. (C) Comment: Although the agreement has been hailed as a
triumph for intellectual property rights, the negotiations
and the brokered deal itself reveal a more complicated
reality. Microsoft was able to broker the final agreement by
appealing to GOT unemployment sensitivities as well as by
adapting to the realities of doing business in Tunisia. Even
as the goal of expanding employment opportunities for
handicapped Tunisians is worthy, the program's affiliation
with Leila Ben Ali's charity is indicative of the backroom
maneuvering sometimes required to finalize a deal.
Microsoft's reticence to fully disclose the details of the
agreement further highlights the GOT emphasis on secrecy over
transparency. In theory, increasing GOT law enforcement
capability through IT training is positive, but given
heavy-handed GOT interference in the internet, Post questions
whether this will expand GOT capacity to monitor its own
citizens. Ultimately, for Microsoft the benefits outweigh
the costs. End Comment.
BALLARD
Citizens of Tunisia ought to sue Microsoft, which has “blood in its hands”. Watch how they keep this secret from the public which pays for it. When they say fight “crime” they may actually mean fight dissent, too (which from the government’s perspective is often a crime). Tunisia overthrew Ali. Now it needs to overthrow his ally, Microsoft. █
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Posted in Africa, Bill Gates at 1:32 pm by Dr. Roy Schestowitz
Summary: Genuine African blogs explain that they wish not to be treated like they are desperate for American corporations and aristocrats to ‘save’ them
MAKING MONEY by pretending to help the poor is one of the specialities of the Gates Foundation.
Bill Gates is hijacking the voice of Africans to impose negative things on them. We’ve covered this in posts such as:
- Bill Gates Sells Drugs in Less Developed Nations (for Profit)
- How the Gates Foundation Privatises Africa
- With Microsoft Monopoly in Check, Bill Gates Proceeds to Creating More Monopolies
- Gates-Backed Company Accused of Monopoly Abuse and Investigated
- Reader’s Article: The Gates Foundation and Genetically-Modified Foods
- Monsanto: The Microsoft of Food
- Seeds of Doubt in Bill Gates Investments
- Gates Foundation Accused of Faking/Fabricating Data to Advance Political Goals
- More Dubious Practices from the Gates Foundation
- Video Transcript of Vandana Shiva on Insane Patents
- Explanation of What Bill Gates’ Patent Investments Do to Developing World
- Black Friday Film: What the Bill Gates-Backed Monsanto Does to Animals, Farmers, Food, and Patent Systems
- Gates Foundation Looking to Destroy Kenya with Intellectual Monopolies
- Young Napoleon Comes to Africa and Told Off
- Bill Gates Takes His GMO Patent Investments/Experiments to India
- Gates/Microsoft Tax Dodge and Agriculture Monopoly Revisited
- Beyond the ‘Public Relations’
- UK Intellectual Monopoly Office (UK-IPO) May be Breaking the Law
- “Boycott Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in China”
- The Gates Foundation Extends Control Over Communication with Oxfam Relationship
- Week of Monsanto
Here is an African voice explaining why this is wrong.
Society has a very one dimentional conversation about privilege.
Looking at me from an American perspective, it would be easy to assume that I hold no privilege.
I’m Black, a woman, from the third world. All these things are true and indeed if you were to base your evaluation of me on popular media images of Africans and particularly African women, I’m a miserable creature indeed.
However, if you take seriously Chimamanda Achidie’s call for a balance of stories you might take a different perspective of me.
As an educated, professor of Politics at an American university, I do wield considerable class, educational and other privileges relative to the rest of the world’s population.
You see, the problem is that society as a whole tends to have very narrow views of privilege.
This narrow view of privilege pervades philanthropy as well.
Gates Keppers found this article about rich Americans who treat Africa like it’s some kind of a zoo. They are posing for the camera to boast about superiority and alleged generosity. Africans are not stupid and they can see what’s wrong with it. As Gates Keppers points out, Bill Gates is sponsoring this, too:
Water First International
Date: November 2010
Purpose: for general operating support
Amount: $2,500
Term: 1 month
Topic: Advocacy & Public Policy
Region Served: Global, North America
Program: Foundation
Grantee Location: Seattle, Washington
Grantee Web site: Not available
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/Grants-2010/Pages/Water-First-International-OPP1029939.aspx
“Advocacy & Public Policy” means lobbying and PR. We have already explained this before. How low can one sink? Even the press in African is bought by Gates. Monsanto et al. approve. █
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08.28.11
Posted in Africa, Bill Gates, Patents at 9:20 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz
Summary: Antagonism towards Gates’ staged care for the poor and resistance against his push to make impoverished populations dependent on expensive drugs he Mo Ibrahim in and lobbies for
THE CORPORATE press might not be paying attention to the reality of whitewashing/reputation laundering operations, but some people do cover the issue. They don’t play along with public relations (PR). One valuable new quote goes like this: ‘Speaking to the efforts of the Bill Gateses and the Bonos of the world, Ibrahim says, “We thank all the philanthropic [institutions], the wonderful people who are helping the needy in Africa. But the job in our foundation is to really stop all that by changing the political outlook of Africa, changing the way we’re managing our affairs. There’s no need for us to beg for money.” He adds, “I don’t want Africa to forever be the recipient of aid. Aid is also humiliating for the recipient. And it touches a human indignity. Why? We are able-bodied people. We are not sick people.”’
“Aid is also humiliating for the recipient. And it touches a human indignity.”
–Mo Ibrahim It’s actually worse than that. Gates is exploiting the perception that they are sick to impose clinical trials on them, at the behest of people whom he employed (e.g. from GSK) and companies he invests his money in. Any clinical trials on Africans have lower risk of litigation when things go awry, as they often do (but again, this is barely being reported on because it happens remotely). This is helping everyone spend money on drugs, creating an addiction/dependence on those expensive drugs. One magazine has just had this to say (also about Africa): ‘To learn to live with it calls for an entirely different solution. Eradication calls for a laboratory-based strategy. You look for isolated human communities, like islands with small populations and invest all your resources in it – which is what the Gates Foundation and WHO did. But living with malaria requires you to spend your monies in communities with large, representative populations.
‘The Gates Foundation and WHO money was spent mostly on small islands. A WHO expert called it ‘a public health disaster’. The moral of the story is that diagnosis is more important than prescription. Research is diagnosis.”‘
Techrights has written a lot more and provided more evidence to show the sad reality of the ‘donation’ of medicine (temporary access to patents valid in another country). More journalists need to do their job and actually report on these issues properly; they are being marginalised by Gates’ ‘donations’ (bribes) to many publishers. He spends over $1,000,000 per day on “advocacy” (PR alone). █
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07.20.11
Posted in Africa, Microsoft at 11:58 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz
Summary: Deficit and debt lead to cuts in the public sector, which in turn puts Microsoft out of the acceptable price range
SOME MONTHS ago we wrote about the South African dilemma and Microsoft's fight against Free software in that nation. While the budget was there, it was possible for cronies to defend Microsoft contracts, but what happens amid depression or at least a recession?
Recently we learned that the NHS is having problems signing the outrageous UK-wide deals with Microsoft. As the economy weakens in the West, it becomes harder for governments to justify just blindly renewing Microsoft deals. We are going to see more of that in years to come because national debts keep growing along with unemployment and there is public pressure to cut expenses at the federal level. Coming from the South African press we have this interesting new article titled “Govt to ditch Microsoft?” It says:
“Microsoft wants money from us all of a sudden and we don’t have the budget for it,” says Rayner.
He adds that a national contract was signed in 2002 as a two-year deal for the SA Software Donation Programme. “I was part of the negotiating committee at the time. As far as I was aware at the time, perpetuity applied.”
The contract was signed for two years and then extended twice for three-year periods and eventually expired in June 2010.
“Then Microsoft announced its intention to charge us for what they’ve been giving us for free all this time. They’re now demanding a subscription fee.”
Anti-competitive donation?
However, education lead at Microsoft SA Reza Bardien says Microsoft is surprised at this reaction since the six-year extension on the deal was given to allow the department to budget for the monetised structure.
“Moving from a free to a monetised agreement requires time on the part of the Department of Education so they can budget and this is why the extension was given. A two-year software agreement grew to an eight-year one and so we’re surprised at this take.”
Click here
He adds that it was agreed after the second three-year extension that the deal would then definitely come to an end. “We were explicit that it would definitely end in June 2010.”
“It is important for Microsoft to move the department to a paying model, as per original intent, as we run the risk of being deemed as behaving in an anti-competitive manner by offering free software,” says the company.
It is only a matter of time before/until the public sector widely adopts Free software (at all levels, not just operating systems) and Brazil provides an example in the sense that it’s a large nation that values libre, not just libra (gold), Microsoft has been busy trying to make Free/libre software expensive, first using copyrights e.g. (the SCO case, which still refuses to go away based on PJ’s update) and then software patents — a subject that Techrights tackles as a matter of high priority. The next few posts will be dedicated to this subject. █
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