Gerri Elliott, corporate vice president, Worldwide Public Sector, welcomes delegates
At the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum, Bill Gates, Microsoft Chairman laid out a vision of the future before approximately 300 business, academic and political leaders from the U.S., Canada and Latin America.
He said that the future will include cell phones that will basically become a "digital wallet," with the ability to receive e-mails and to scan business cards.
Along with that concept the even more enticing one is that the world of TVs and computers will merge into one comprehensive unit.
Gates also said that Microsoft wants to help "redefine the way that citizens think about how they work with government and how efficient communication takes place."
The conference also is helping to explore new ways that government can improve in its use of computers and help it in its transition into the "knowledge ecomony."
Gates also reinforced Microsoft's commitment to Latin America saying "I'm very optimistic about the countries in Latin America. It's a market that we've invested in, and the growth opportunities that come out of that have been great for us."
Gates and other Microsoft officials cited a "Partnerships for Technology Access" initiative, in which the company aims to help governments and local industries in underserved countries and regions.
An example from Mexico shows that Microsoft is laborig with local Internet service providers, hardward sellers and the government to help families invest in "smart homes" that will be provided with computers.
Gates commented that these types of programs are essential to helping countries bridge the "digital divide."
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