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Microsoft Is Working On a Cloud Operating System For the US Government

Posted by timothy on from the like-a-sticky-enveloping-fog-of-goo dept.

SmartAboutThings writes "It seems that Microsoft is relying even more on the opportunities provided by the cloud technology. The Redmond behemoth is preparing to come up with a cloud operating system that is specially meant for government purposes. Government agencies already use two of Microsoft's basic cloud products: Windows Azure and Windows Server. But now it seems that Microsoft is working on a modified version of its somewhat new Cloud OS that could bear the name 'Fairfax.' Compared to Windows Azure, the 'Fairfax' cloud operating system would provide enhanced security, relying on physical servers on site at government locations. Given that CEO Steve Ballmer is striving to make Microsoft much more than a powerful software giant, such a project makes sense, especially because it would help in their lobby activities."

2 of 171 comments (clear)

  1. basically a browser.. by Allnighterking · · Score: 4, Informative

    It will connect to 365 so that everyone can do power points and spreadsheets. Outlook. com for mail, and not much more.

    --

    I'm sorry, I'm to tired to be witty at the moment so this message will have to do.

  2. Working for the government indeed by Camael · · Score: 4, Informative

    As QWest found out the hard way, if you don't cooperate with NSA, you don't get government contracts.

    Here is the background to the story.

    Among the big telecommunications companies, only Qwest has refused to help the NSA, the sources said. According to multiple sources, Qwest declined to participate because it was uneasy about the legal implications of handing over customer information to the government without warrants.

    Qwest's refusal to participate has left the NSA with a hole in its database.

    The NSA, which needed Qwest's participation to completely cover the country, pushed back hard.

    Trying to put pressure on Qwest, NSA representatives pointedly told Qwest that it was the lone holdout among the big telecommunications companies. It also tried appealing to Qwest's patriotic side: In one meeting, an NSA representative suggested that Qwest's refusal to contribute to the database could compromise national security, one person recalled.

    In addition, the agency suggested that Qwest's foot-dragging might affect its ability to get future classified work with the government. Like other big telecommunications companies, Qwest already had classified contracts and hoped to get more.

    So, MS gets lucrative government contracts. What does that say?