Microsoft Focuses on Improving Security for Customers

Today at the RSA Conference Europe 2004, Rich Kaplan, corporate vice president of the Security Business & Technology Unit at Microsoft Corp. (www.microsoft.com), delivered a keynote address in which he provided an update on Microsoft's progress in helping improve the security of computers and networks for customers worldwide. Kaplan outlined progress to date in the areas of improving technology quality and innovation, creating opportunity in the security industry, and increasing customer guidance and engagement.

Specifically, Kaplan announced the forthcoming availability of the Windows® Rights Management Services (RMS) Service Pack 1 (SP1) beta version, which helps customers protect their sensitive digital information; the Internet Security and Acceleration Server (ISA Server) 2004 partner validation program, which helps assure customers of the quality and interoperability of partner solutions; and the general availability of Microsoft's Security Bulletin Advanced Notification program.

"Customers worldwide, both at home and at work, have told us that they need help minimizing the risk of malicious threats, and we believe this calls for the global IT community to band together to address these needs," Kaplan said.

"Although we've seen progress in addressing some of our customers' top concerns, we remain focused on the evolving security challenges and are committed to working with our industry partners worldwide to improve the security of PCs and networks as part of our Trustworthy Computing initiative."

Kaplan renewed Microsoft's commitment to helping customers address their growing needs for protecting sensitive digital information by announcing the availability of the beta version of RMS SP1.

"At Swisscom, we are expanding our commitment to RMS to help protect sensitive executive e-mail and internal confidential documents across the organization," said Heinz Schär, member of management at Swisscom IT Services AG.