Microsoft is launching a publishing house with an original concept. The Tech giant intends to publish Books but also revolutionize the profession.
The new publishing house called 8080 Books publishes in print and digital formats. The aim is to provide thought-provoking and thought leadership books, covering areas such as technology, business and society.
The first title published by 8080 Books is “No Prize for Pessimism“, written by Sam Schillace, deputy technical director at Microsoft.
This book explores the importance of optimism in innovation and technology product development. A second title, “Platform Mindset” by Marcus Fontoura, is planned for later this year.
8080 Books, a name like a wink
The name 8080 Books is inspired by the Intel 8080 microprocessor. It played a crucial role in the first advances in personal computing.
It's no coincidence that 8080 is also the last four digits of the Microsoft headquarters phone number.
This name choice reflects Microsoft's commitment to honoring industry pioneers while looking toward the future.
Microsoft, more than just a publisher
The Redmond firm intends to publish books while giving voice to authors who are currently unaware of themselves but who have messages to convey.
Additionally, its purpose is to speed up the publishing process. The publisher wants to shorten the time between the final manuscript and the book's arrival on the market. The publisher also seeks to accelerate the dissemination of knowledge.
But the company sees even further. She said in a statement: “We plan to test and experiment with the latest technologies to accelerate and democratize book publishing. We are customer zero for Microsoft technology.”
And that's not all: “We implement a rigorous editorial process: quickly identify meritorious ideas and arguments, often from non-traditional authors, help develop the manuscript, invite internal and external critiques, respect standards of style and substance, and using the latest technology to help do these things.”
In addition, the company is very interested in the possible reissue of out-of-print books that could enlighten today's leaders. Without giving further details.
At the moment the books are in English, it is not known if 8080 Books will offer books in other languages.
A philanthropic publishing house
Financially, Microsoft will cover the costs of using editing professionals. Remaining profits will be donated to nonprofit organizations through Microsoft Philanthropies.
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