Jordan signs GSP agreement with Microsoft; agreement provides access to Windows source code and technical information

Amman, October 19th  2004: The Government of Jordan represented by H.E., Dr. Fawaz Zu'bi Minister of ICT has today signed the Government Security Program (GSP) agreement with Microsoft Corporation, represented by Maggie Wilderotter, Senior Vice President, Public sector.

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

H.E. Dr. Zu'bi said: "Microsoft has listened to our security needs and responded to them with this program. 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 the Microsoft platform."

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 program with the rights to review and access key Microsoft source code. 

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 of Microsoft's platform to key Government application.

Finally, the agreement promotes increased cooperation between World-Wide Microsoft security professionals and global government partners, providing opportunities for Jordan 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 of Jordan is deploying on the Microsoft Platform, and to interact with Jordan developers.

Maggie Wilderotter said: "At Microsoft, we view governments that utilize our software as trusted partners. The Government Security Program will provide the Jordan Government with the opportunity to use our source code 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, and access to Microsoft's top expert support technicians who can collaborate with agencies on how they use this source code access."

-Ends-

About Microsoft Corporation
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.

About Microsoft East Med
Microsoft Eastern Mediterranean started in 1999 with a representative office in Lebanon to oversee the company's operation in Cyprus, Jordan, and Malta in addition to Lebanon. In 2001, Microsoft East Med opened Jordan office, it was followed by Cyprus office in 2002, and Malta office on 2003.

 Beirut office became a full fledged subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation reporting to Middle East Africa (MEA) headquarters in Istanbul under the Europe Middle East Africa (EMEA) region.

Microsoft East Med strives to foster close customer partnerships to help businesses adopt the latest technology to compete in both local and global markets. Together with its partners, and local software development companies Microsoft East Med provide innovative software solutions and services to the Eastern Mediterranean markets and the Middle East as whole.

Microsoft Corporation's address on the World Wide Web is: www.microsoft.com

Microsoft Eastern Mediterranean Web site is: www.microsoft.com/middleeast/eastmed

For further information contact:
Agency Contact:
TALA TOUKAN / SOFIAN QURASHI
ASDA'A PUBLIC RELATIONS
AMMAN,
JORDAN
EMAIL: t.toukan@asdaa.com

Microsoft Contact:
Leila Serhan
Marketing Manager
Microsoft East Med
Tel: 00-9611-983244
Fax: 00-9611- 983349
Email : lserhan@microsoft.com

© Press Release 2004