Microsoft decision puts public libraries at risk

I think Microsoft's decision to not include SteadyState with Win7 is a huge mistake. I believe that it will prove to be a public relations blunder of a magnitude they cannot foresee. Sometimes, companies don't realize that when they think they are protecting their bottom line, they are actually hurting it in the long run because of the fallout of externalities, like a blow to their reputation (think of Exxon, Toyota, Massey Energy, etc.)

Read the full article about this via the link to Windows Secrets (below). Public libraries need safe access to the Internet. They provide a great public service. When 60% of my town was without power for four days following a major Northeast storm, the townspeople crowded into the Darien Public Library to use the Internet (and to stay warm). It's wrong for Microsoft to put library systems at risk. Just plain daft, especially since the idea and original funding for SteadyState came from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to promote educational and public access to the Internet.

Microsoft decision puts public libraries at risk