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Microsoft Launches OnMyWay

By Pamela Jones et al.

Microsoft has just launched a program called OnMyWay, by which Microsoft will offer training and financial help to young people. It has begun dispensing help in Europe already, but more largesse is to come. If you look at the How We Help page, it says "Microsoft may provide help in the form of finance, educational materials or equipment." I'm told the ads are seen in four countries so far, Germany, France, the UK, and Australia.

They say the only requirement is "that their future career prospects will really benefit from participation in and completion of their chosen training programme." If you note, the home page says, "Microsoft aims to provide financial or material sponsorship that will help such people to achieve their goals in their chosen subject and so gain a foothold on the ladder to success in their career." So sweet. So like Microsoft to want to give away money and equipment just because.

Here's why they say they want to help:

Microsoft wants to promote the development of expertise in the ever expanding IT market - and employment in general - in large parts of Europe. It is clear that there is a need to provide appropriate training programmes and to motivate people to join such schemes and realise their true potential.

That's why Microsoft developed the initiative to form partnerships with specialist training organisations and generate the necessary support for people who might not otherwise have the opportunity or incentive to consider a course that would take them on an upward career path.

OK. What's this really all about? I have a working theory for your consideration. I noticed something striking. While the ads are being run so far only in those four countries, and it's supposed to be a global branding campaign, if you look at who is on the list of those who have gotten help from the program already, you see groups from the UK, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland and Italy. I took a look at how each country on this list voted on OOXML in March.

Full post as published by Groklaw on May 25, 2008 (boomark / email).