National Institute of Standards and Technology Joins Microsoft’s Government Security Program

REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 10, 2005 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) has joined the Government Security Program (GSP), Microsofts flagship government security initiative. In addition to NIST, all U.S. federal agencies sponsored by NIST have access to Microsoft Windows source code and other GSP program benefits. Through the GSP, Microsoft offers participating governments access to Windows and Office source code as well as transparency through disclosure of technical information. The goal of the GSP is to provide greater insight into the Windows and Office platforms integrity and enhance the governments ability to design and build more-secure computing infrastructures. Since its inception in January 2003, GSP membership has grown steadily to include more than 38 member countries and international organizations in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.



Phillip J. Bond (L), U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology, and Craig Mundie, Microsoft Senior V.P. and Chief Technical Officer, Advanced Strategies and Policy, announce an agreement for the National Institute for Standards and Technology to join Microsoft’s Government Security Program, Washington, D.C., Feb. 10, 2005. Click image for high-res version.

“Todays technologies pose unique security challenges for governments and industry,”
said Craig Mundie, senior vice president and chief technical officer of advanced strategies and policy at Microsoft.
“In collaboration with our government customers, we are evolving our technologies and services to ensure that the business of government is grounded in a foundation of trusted technology.”

The GSP is a no-fee initiative that enables program participants to review source code for the most current versions and service packs of Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server TM 2003, Windows CE and Office 2003. In addition to source code access, the GSP provides for the disclosure of technical information about the Windows platform and Office 2003, enhancing governments ability to build and deploy computing infrastructures with strong security technologies in place. The program also promotes increased communication and collaboration between Microsoft security professionals and program participants, giving participants opportunities to visit Microsofts development facilities in Redmond and to review various aspects of Windows source-code development, testing and deployment processes.

In addition to GSP, Microsoft recently introduced the Security Cooperation Program (SCP), a no-fee initiative that provides a structured way for governments and Microsoft to engage in cooperative security activities in the areas of computer incident response, attack mitigation and citizen outreach. The goal of the SCP is to help governments address threats to national security, economic strength and public safety more efficiently and effectively through cooperative projects and information-sharing. This program further strengthens Microsofts comprehensive approach to offering technology and services that enable security-enhanced government computing environments and builds on the security mobilization effort of Microsofts Trustworthy Computing Initiative.

Additional information about the GSP is available at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2003/jan03/01-14GSPrelease.asp . More information about Microsofts Shared Source Initiative, Trustworthy Computing Initiative and the Common Criteria certification awarded to Windows 2000 can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/sharedsource and http://www.microsoft.com/security .

About NIST

Founded in 1901, NIST is a nonregulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerces Technology Administration. NISTs mission is to develop and promote measurement, standards and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade and improve the quality of life.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Microsoft, Windows and Windows Server are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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