Governments Given Access to Windows Source

In response to increasing demand for open source software by countries around the world due to security and licensing concerns, Microsoft announced a new initiative to open the underlying Windows code to international governments.

The Government Security Program will provide governments controlled access to the source code for Windows 2000, XP, CE and Windows Server 2003 in order to assess the security of Microsoft software.

"In talking with government customers, we've been told this is a key capability that they need and we responded," said Microsoft's CTO and senior vice president for advanced strategies and policy, Craig Mundie. "In addition to source code access we are providing technical documentation, methods for troubleshooting, access to cryptographic tools subject to export controls, and access to Microsoft expert support technicians who can collaborate with governments on how they use this source code access."

Microsoft has signed deals with ten countries and organizations thus far, including NATO and Russia. The GSP is a no-fee program open to about 60 countries, double the number eligible for the company's Shared Source Initiative, Microsoft says. Participants will communicate with Microsoft security professionals and have the opportunity to visit Redmond and review the Windows development process.