Gates Highlights Progress on Security

During his keynote address at the annual RSA Conference today, Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect at Microsoft Corp. (www.microsoft.com), announced continued innovation and technology investments including future enhancements for safer Web browsing, such as plans for a new version of Microsoft® Internet Explorer for Windows XP Service Pack 2 customers; expanding anti-spyware protection by including the Windows® AntiSpyware technology at no additional charge as part of the Windows value proposition; edge protection technology for businesses, notably the release to manufacturing of Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004 Enterprise Edition; and the need for more robust anti-virus protections for collaboration and messaging, demonstrated with Microsoft's intention to acquire Sybari Software Inc.

"Our primary goal is to improve security and safety for all our customers -- consumers and businesses, regardless of size -- through a balance of technology innovation, guidance and industry leadership," Gates said. "We're committed to continued innovation that addresses the threats of today and anticipates those that will undoubtedly emerge in the future."

In August, Microsoft released Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), which included major security advancements. Windows XP SP2 includes significant upgrades to Internet Explorer, incorporating a stronger security infrastructure to help thwart malicious software attacks, block suspicious content and eliminate many common spoofing attempts.

Gates cited the fact that there are now more than 170 million copies of Windows XP SP2 distributed around the world, and highlighted a recent report from Web analytics firm WebSideStory Inc. that shows almost half of all computer users browsing the Web on weekends are better protected with Windows XP SP2.

Businesses are also embracing Windows XP SP2: Of 800 enterprise customers recently surveyed, Microsoft has received commitments from 77 percent to deploy Windows XP SP2 over the next six months.

For example, Merrill Lynch, a leading financial management and advisory company, has committed to deploying Windows XP SP2 companywide -- across 50,000 desktops -- by the middle of the year.

"We're installing Windows XP SP2 companywide on over 50,000 desktops because we recognize that its security enhancements are significant. As the frequency of attacks against computer systems increases, it's becoming critically important to have our systems protected against hackers, viruses and other security risks," said Joseph Martella, director of End User Computing, Product Engineering at Merrill Lynch.

Since December, Microsoft has rolled out new capabilities to assist customers in combating malicious or unwanted software and removing it from their machines, including the beta version of Windows AntiSpyware.

"Customers are concerned about the risk malware poses to their personal information, and frustrated by its impact on the reliability and performance of their computers," Gates said. "We are responding by making security easier and more cost-effective for Windows customers, helping to protect millions of people who are vulnerable today."

Gates also discussed how Microsoft's security investments will help business customers better protect their systems from constantly evolving threats. Last month Microsoft began shipping a malicious software removal tool on a regular, predictable basis as part of the company's monthly update cycle.

Gates highlighted Microsoft's efforts to promote the computing ecosystem and infrastructure that allows customers to keep software current with the latest security updates.

As part of Microsoft's initiatives to better protect the edge of corporate networks, Gates announced the release to manufacturing of the Enterprise Edition of Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004.