China in Microsoft's hands

By Alun Williams

Posted on 28 Feb 2003 at 12:29

China has officially signed up to participate in Microsoft's Government Security Program (GSP).

This is a program that provides government bodies with controlled access to Windows source code. It was launched early in the New Year - Microsoft moves to open government Windows.

The GSP is a no-fee initiative that will let participants review Windows source code using a special review tool. In addition to the code access, Microsoft also provides technical documentation and support.

The idea is to help reassure government organisations over the security and content of Windows systems - 'to simulate threats and assess vulnerabilities' in the words of Microsoft.

China is not the first government to sign up. Back in early February the UK government decided to participate - Microsoft signs up Downing Street - following in the footsteps of Russia and NATO.

The wider significance of China signing up relates to Western concerns over software piracy in the Far East and China's relationship with Microsoft in particular. The Government Security Program was officially a 'deliverable' of a wider agreement - Microsoft and the Chinese State Development and Planning Commission (representing the Chinese government) signed a Memorandum of Understanding 'On Strengthening Software Industry Cooperation' back in June 2002.

'As a government trusted partner,' commented Bill Gates, 'we are committed to providing the Chinese government with information that will help them deploy and maintain secure computing infrastructures. We see this agreement as a significant step forward in Microsoft's relations with the Chinese government.'