Adam M

does anyone work for microsoft in software development?

I need to submit an idea for a tiny program idea I have, but they seem to have a generic disuading policy that they will not consider external ideas on the basis of refusing to sign confidentiality agreements.

I woudl liek them to review my idea without signing a confidentiality agreement, but can't seem to find the appropriate person to tell this to.

*Sonic*

bill.gates@microsoft.com

GaryK

Adam,

And if its a good idea all of sudden it will appear with a M$ badge and you will earn........nothing!

Why do you think they never sign NDA's?

Gary

IWatkins

Adam,

I've been there and done that three times now. They simply will not listen and in two cases would not even discuss why they would not listen without several reams of lawyer speak that needed signing first. This was the same group of people who I'd been a beta tester for for nearly 10 years.

Does it have to be MS by the way ? If the idea is a cracker, you may have much more joy with an independent software house and still retain some rights.

Cheers

Ian

XRS

Doesn't Mr Squire have a MS connection?

Buckrogers

You could try this:

2way@microsoft-contact.co.uk

I used to use this email a few years ago, always got a response to my questions. Cant say if its still a live address, but may be worth ago.

I think you should take Ian's and Gary's advice though, other wise MS will most likely stiff you along the way.

fast bloke

I used to run a large part of Microshaft's outsourced European testing empire and they WILL NOT listen to any idea no matter how good if you are not a development employee. We even had clued up testers come up with ideas which were declined as the testers involved were 'only contractors'

Eagle7

if its a good idea, it may be better to share the idea with a programmer who can give more advice or get a working version going for you to release as shareware etc.

Adam M

its far too simple for anything like that.

It doesn't need development as such, it is merely a feature which can be added into an operating system, or into hardware, so my nextg port of call should be apple, or possibly logitech since it is mouse related.

I have applied for a patent on it anyway, so if they start using it, I will alert them to my application number.

thanks for the help so far, looks like I should look for a different alley to exploit my idea.

IWatkins

Adam,

Yes, if it a human input innovation (sounds like it) then Logitech have been fairly good at listening in the past. But get the patent applied for first (of course, you know that).

Now you could try Microsoft Hardware people as they may a totally different ketle of fish when it comes to ideas. In fact, I know a lot of their innovative stuff (Natural Keyboard etc.) comes from ideas from Microsoft Research. Now they (Research) might be a better prospect.

Cheers

Ian