Shareholder proposals that are opposed by the company rarely pass by such a wide margin. After the result, which is non-binding, Arjuna Capital said Microsoft had committed to an independent assessment of its policies. "While the accusations against Bill Gates are only the latest revelations in what has been a long-seated, poorly managed problem, it's significant that Microsoft is now listening to its shareholders and committing to transparent, unbiased, independent reporting," said its managing partner, Natasha Lamb. The Microsoft founder has said the relationship with the former employee ended amicably.