Bahraini Government gets access to Windows source code

The GSP agreement provides the government of Bahrain with access to Windows source code as well as detailed Operating System technical information and guarantees around the clock technical support directly from Microsoft corp.

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Ateyatalla Al Khalifa, Minister of Central Informatics Organization from the Government of Bahrain signed the agreement with Bill Gates, Chairman and Chief Software Architect for Microsoft Corporation. The signing ceremony took place during the Government Leaders Forum Arabia 2004, held in Cairo, in the presence of H.E. Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Minister of Commerce

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Ateyatalla Al Khalifa said: "Microsoft has listened to our security needs and responded to them with this move. It has recognized that in matters ranging from national defence to protection of our citizens' personal data, we must place security at the forefront of our information-technology requirements. The Government Security Program (GSP) addresses not only our unique security requirements, but it also allows us to protect our investments in value added software components and applications running on Microsoft platform."

Launched in January 2003, the GSP is one integral element in Microsoft's efforts to address the unique security requirements of governments throughout the world providing governments access to the Windows Operating System source code and technical information they need to be confident in the security of the Windows platform, and fostering partnership between Microsoft and governments through increased interaction opportunities and customized guidance on projects identified by program participants. Since its launch, more than 27 governments around the world are part of this program with the rights to reviewing Windows source code.

The GSP also enables government personnel to work jointly with Microsoft professionals for the purposes of validating security features as well as experimenting and pursuing other objectives identified by program participants. In addition to source access, the GSP provides for the disclosure of technical information about the Windows Platform, enhancing the government's ability to design and build secure computing infrastructures.

Finally, the agreement promotes increased cooperation between Microsoft security professionals and government partners, providing opportunities for visits to Microsoft development facilities in Redmond, Washington to review various aspects of Windows development, testing and deployment processes, to discuss existing and potential projects with Microsoft security experts, and generally to interact with Microsoft developers.

Samir Benmakhlouf, Business Development Manager of Microsoft Bahrain said: "At Microsoft, we view governments that utilize our software as trusted partners. The Government Security Program will provide governments with the opportunity to assess the security and integrity of the Microsoft products they deploy. "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."