Microsoft Silence – No Surprise

March 27, 2010 7:10 pm 3 comments

THANK-YOU!

I just wanted to quickly say thank-you to everyone who came up to me at OpenGov West today and expressed their support for today’s earlier post.  Clearly, more were feeling similar re McKee’s conduct during the event.  Several folks referenced their thoughts about his time at the mic yesterday.  Another of today’s outcomes was being asked several times if anyone from Microsoft has responded, and no one was surprised to hear that Microsoft has taken the 5th.

The learning at OpenGov West continues beyond the conference itself on many levels.  As mentioned many had asked me today if Microsoft had reached out and responded to my earlier blog post.  Which by the way has been updated to include Sarah Schacht’s title and website etc…

I believe it’s important to note, I’m not fishing for any sort of response from Microsoft or McKee.  I’m not here to improve their company, despite the fact that I’ve done them a huge service by highlighting a critical problem for Steve Ballmer and the top executives at Microsoft.  Together with the feedback and input from several folks at OpenGov West, we’re collectively educating this misguided executive and software giant in how today’s online social environment works.  Remember when Bill Gates stated that “Sometimes we do get taken by surprise. For example, when the Internet came along, we had it as a fifth or sixth priority.”

Clearly the Microsoft corporate culture under Steve Ballmer continues to need work.  Every day that Microsoft employees are out in the world with decision-making powers and making fools of themselves at public events, such as, an Open Government conference a stone’s throw away from the Redmond campus shows as reinforcement that they’re the wrong company to be doing business with respect to Open Government.  Ironically, another issue for discussion came up today NOT Microsoft related but related to the idea of “trusting your staff” to say the right thing in public situations (which today means pretty much everywhere) and I’d like to thank those folks for sharing their opinions with me today.

Open Government initiatives need more brave evangelists who empower discussion, learning and sharing in a way that will bring government, public servants and elected officials onside with what needs to be done.  As David Hume stated today, “Open is not an outcome but a strategy.”  Which is why we need mid-level decision-makers in government to get with the program and come out to these events.  They are a part of the “permission and approval” infrastructure and they’re directing process regarding an environment many often admit to know little or nothing about.  What’s wrong with this picture?

Push Through the NO!

We need public servants especially to “push through the no” as Michele Weslander-Quaid of US Intelligence suggested at an O’Reilly Gov2.0 conference and by doing so, educate those who are resistant to change.  OpenGov West was filled with public servants from many regions including of course Alberta, British Columbia, Seattle and King County and other states such as Oregon, California. Visibly absent today during the “unconference” save Kathy Lambert, King County Councilmember were other elected officials from all government tiers.

These are the people sitting in Council Chambers in Seattle, King County or even down the I5 in the Washington State Capitol of Olympia who should have definitely been in the room yesterday and today, it’s their own backyard.  I understand everyone is busy but what many need to understand is that more than one elected official believes they don’t need to know this stuff because they have staff to “do that for them.” You and I both know it’s also a matter of priority and to her credit, Councilmember Kathy Lambert made learning more about Open Government one of her priorities.

Not only that, but the Councilmember took a few moments to suggest some restaurants and provide some history on the King County Administration and Courthouse building, along with background on some of the issues of today, which was really very gracious of her.  If my short discussion with her is any indication of her character, the people of King County’s District Three are very well represented.

I have very much enjoyed returning for a few days here in Seattle, the people have been warm and welcoming.  The discussion, presentations and breakout sessions were terrific and filled with great information.  OpenGov West itself was generally well run and the Baquette Box did a killer job with the lunches.  They were delicious.

Oh and one more thing if you ever get a chance to be invited to the Columbia Tower Club at the Columbia Centre say yes, the view of Pugent Sound from the 76th floor is ridiculously beautiful. Until next time Seattle…

  • dankasun

    Hi Walter-

    Being an east-coaster, I wasn't at the event so can't speak to the occurrences there. However, I can say that Open Government is a huge passion for many of us at Microsoft – and not just for product/sales reasons. Personally, I have always been strongly libertarian and believe that open information and transparency is the best path to improving processes and eliminating waste and corruption – and ultimately will lead to better Government (and a better country, as a result). That's what drives me.

    My team and I have done a tremendous amount of work for Open Government initiatives – and continue to drive deeper participation in the communities. Frankly, I still see significant bias against Microsoft despite the work we've been doing – and statements in your post reflects that as well:

    “position Microsoft as some sort of Open Government advocate.”

    “Knowing Microsoft as we all do, advocate seems to be way to altruistic of a term.”

    I'd argue that you probably don't know Microsoft – and probably don't know what people like me (and my team) have been doing to advance open government. Your characterization is inaccurate and unfair to those of us who have been investing a great deal here.

    I invite you to learn more – feel free to contact me via my blog (I won't put links here to avoid this being perceived as an advertisement in any way).

    Open Government is a strategy that affects all of us, and that can be affected by all of us – citizens, government personnel, political leaders, open source, and commercial software organizations. Everyone can play a role, and no one should be excluded. We need to pull technical zealotry out of the discussion and focus on the things that will move us down the path of openness and transparency. I think we can all agree to that.

    -Dan Kasun, Sr. Director, US Public Sector Developer & Platform Evangelism

  • http://twitter.com/fusedlogic Walter Schwabe

    Hi Dan, thank-you for reading and for your response. Actually, I know Microsoft from several angles, most importantly as a former customer, an experience that left the largest impression on me. I have spoken with many people from your organization over the years both in Canada and the US, this was just the latest exchange and the first where I was personally and directly insulted. I don't know Microsoft from working inside of the organization, that much is true. As much as your comment here is a required response and start to a dialogue, we'll see if this is a defensive move or a true attempt to openly discuss and learn about the issues. I can only speak for myself and the others who have expressed support directly to me for what I've communicated, the impression that was left wasn't good, the Microsoft brand has perception issues and that only serves to undermine the rest of the good work you and your team might be doing in the Open Government space. Of course, the polish (or lack thereof in this case) in the execution of these activities is often what leaves the largest impression.

  • dankasun

    I appreciate the response, Walter – and the feedback is well taken, as I realize there have been perception issues and we (Microsoft) may always be viewed differently. I believe that many of us have been contributing very positively in the area of OpenGov, but still occasionally get a “straight arm” based on preconceptions. For example, if I provide something for free for people to evaluate, I might get accused of trying to “buy my way in”… but the fact is, I just think the technology might be really useful for customers and I want to make it as easy as possible for them to try it and see if it meets their needs.

    I would definitely like to continue the dialogue – just ask for the occasional benefit of the doubt in the discussion, as we likely share the same goals – especially with respect to Open Government. Will watch you on twitter and in other forums.

    -Dan

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