Microsoft contributes money, time, effort, and energy into supporting the value of diversity. Of course, it might be cynically observed that as a major international corporation, it is in Microsoft's interest to have a strong public relations image that is supportive of diversity, especially as computer science tends to be dominated by white males. But as a company with global ambitions, a diverse workforce can provide input into the needs and cultural assumptions of the various places where Microsoft is located or sells its goods and services. A diverse company also requires support structures to make the employees feel welcome, and the company's mentorship programs and other efforts create an atmosphere of diversity that cannot be bought, even though Microsoft has channeled considerable funds into its diversity and recruitment efforts.

Microsoft's attempts to interest young people in computer science are also useful, because they will fuse the Microsoft name with computers in entire populations of young girls and talented minority science students. In fact, it is difficult to think of a downside to...

"Microsoft: Numerous outreach and diversity programs are a hallmark of the company's commitment to inclusiveness." Black Collegian. 2003. 17 Mar 2007. http://www.black-collegian.com/issues/1stsem03/microsoft2003-1st.shtml
Microsoft Diversity Efforts Open Doors for Minority Students." Press Pass. Microsoft Website. Feb. 7, 2005. 17 Mar 2007. http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2005/feb05/02-07Diversity.mspx

Young women meet it at Microsoft's DigiGirlz Camp." Diversity Careers.

Aug-Sept 2006. 17 Mar 2007. http://www.diversitycareers.com/articles/pro/06-augsep/dia_microsoft.htm