Redmond, Wash, February 18, 1999 — Microsoft employees today won high praise from the U.S. Secretary of Defense for their work protecting the nation’s critical information systems.
Defense Secretary William Cohen and Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates agreed that the government and companies in the technology industry must work together to strengthen the national defense in the digital age. Secretary Cohen told a crowd of approximately 200 Microsoft employees and information technology professionals that he is “…proud of the partnership we have.”
Gates remarked that “security and privacy in the information age are priorities for both the government and industry.” He went on to praise Secretary Cohen for his leadership and vision on this important issue.
Secretary Cohen also recognized the Microsoft Skills 2000 initiative, designed to help address the shortage of information technology professionals by reaching out to people interested in technical careers, including those who are leaving the military.