Governments take a peek at Microsoft Windows code
Reuters | at | by Mike
Microsoft said on Thursday it had given a dozen national governments access to its Windows source code in its battle to win lucrative public sector contracts and muffle mounting hype over rival software Linux. Earlier this year, Microsoft started a new initiative called Government Software Program that involved opening up its flagship Windows operating system to governments interested in tailoring the software to fit, primarily, their security needs. Microsoft said 12 countries, including Austria, Russia, China and the UK, had entered into the new deals, with another 35 in negotiation, since the program started in January.