Jordan Times
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Jordan signs GSP agreement with Microsoft
AMMAN (JT) — The government has signed a Government Security Programme (GSP) agreement with Microsoft Corporation, which provides access to Windows and Office source codes as well as detailed Operating System technical information.
The agreement, signed last week by Minister of Information and Communications Technolgoy (ICT) Fawaz Zu'bi and Microsoft Senior Vice President, Public Sector Maggie Wilderotter, guarantees around-the-clock technical support directly from Microsoft.
“Microsoft has listened to our security needs and responded to them with this programme. It has recognised 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 Programme (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 the Microsoft platform,” Zu'bi said at the signing ceremony.
Launched in January 2003, the GSP is one key facet in Microsoft's efforts to address the unique security requirements of governments throughout the world providing governments access to the Windows and Office Operating System source code and technical information they need to be confident in the security of software platforms.
Since its launch, more than 34 governments around the world are partnering in this programme with the rights to review and access key Microsoft source code, according to a statement released yesterday by Microsoft.
The GSP also enables government personnel to work jointly with Microsoft professionals for the purposes of validating the security of Microsoft software. In addition to source access, the GSP provides for the disclosure of technical information about the Windows and Office Platform, for faster in-country integration to key government applications, the statement said.
The agreement also promotes increased cooperation between worldwide Microsoft security professionals and global government partners, providing opportunities for local government programmers to visit Microsoft development facilities in Redmond, Washington.
These trips enable reviews of various code releases of Windows and Office development, testing and deployment processes. Microsoft resources will be available to discuss existing and potential projects the government is deploying on the Microsoft Platform, and to interact with local developers.
“In addition to source code access, we are providing technical documentation, methods for troubleshooting, access to cryptographic tools, and access to Microsoft's top expert support technicians who can collaborate with agencies on how they use this source code access,” Wilderotter said.