It is admirable that Microsoft has a research department and that they are willing to publish their work. Not many companies can say the same.

They are run by the same management, the money for MSR really comes from sales of Windows and Office, and most research done is to explore future features of MS products

> This is Microsoft Research; I believe it's not really the Microsoft behind Windows and co.

I'm curious as to what you mean with this statement, given that Microsoft Research is a part of Microsoft.

Well, I just meant that 'is part' is different than 'is'. And that I think the freedom that enjoy MSR is not exactly related to the creation of future consumer software.

It is generally accepted to make a difference between, for instance, the marketing communication and the work quality accomplished by the engineers. I think it is as important to make the distinction between Microsoft and its Reserach part.

>And that I think the freedom that enjoy MSR is not exactly related to the creation of future consumer software.

Where do you think the funding for MSR comes from? Who do you think decides to allocate that funding?