Microsoft Grants Australian Government Access to Windows Source Code under Government Security Programme

Following months of negotiations with Australia's Defence Signals Directorate (the agency responsible for evaluating the security of software products and services for the Australian federal government), Microsoft has agreed to provide access to the source code underlying the Windows operating system.   The agreement is part of Microsoft's global Government Security Programme (GSP), a worldwide initiative introduced in January, to provide national governments with information they need to assess the security and integrity of Microsoft products.   In particular, the collaboration is intended to focus on areas of critical infrastructure, such as banking, electricity and telecommunications. As a participant in the GSP, the Australian government will be allowed:

• to review source code for certain Windows versions via smart-card-based, secure online access; and
• to have access to expert support and other security and technical documentation not otherwise available.

Although the GSP is aimed at addressing government concerns about the transparency and security of its Windows platform, Microsoft's move to more openness has been interpreted by many as an attempt to strengthen its position in the marketplace and to mitigate the competitive threat from open source software suppliers such as Linux. For more information on this topic, visit: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/030814/152/e6695.html For an article about Russia being the first signatory to the GSP, visit: http://us.cnn.com/2003/TECH/biztech/01/21/russia.microsoft.reut/. For information regarding the UK's signing of the GSP, visit: http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/news/2003/030131_securityprogramme.asp. To read about China's participation in the GSP, visit: http://www.itweb.co.za/office/microsoft/0303030810.htm. Summary by:   Nicholas Wong