Microsoft, IEEE Join Hands To Create Truck Drivers

Microsoft has collaborated with IEEE to increase the number of students engaged in technical pursuits with the long-term benefit of strengthening business and society through the use of technology.
 
The later part of the 'goal' is a cover-up, the core part is through this deal Microsoft will be able to 'sell' IEEE student members its latest servers, development tools and eLearning — with 'privileged' access to more than 300 software titles as part of the MSDN Academic Alliance, a subscription service traditionally available only through educational institutions.

It's all about 'show me the money'.
 
The deal will also ensure work force for Microsoft as the press release says, "exposing science, technology, engineering and math students to job opportunities with Microsoft partners and customers through the Microsoft Students to Business program."
 
Now, coming to strengthening business and society through the use of technology. One trait which can strengthen or empower any society or business is access to the code; ability to modify the code. Microsoft has some great technologies, but they seem to defy this very notion. I remember someone said, what do you want to become, a truck driver or a truck manufacturer?
 
When you don't get access to the code, you continue to build on top of it and remain the truck driver. But when you get access to the code, you become the truck manufacturer. Also considering the trend, all major companies are switching to Muktware or Open Source technologies. It may not be a good idea to put all your eggs in a closed basket.
 
For young scientists or engineers code matters a lot. Look at all the proprietary companies and tell a single name of a respected developer. None. They all get shrunk behind the pay-roll.
 
On the contrary, innovation happen at start-up level. Consider the Muktware or the Free Software community -- this is the place where developers are the heroes. It's up to you, you want to become a truck driver or a truck manufacturer!