Shared source: Get a limited peek at the Windows source code
Sanders Kaufman, Jr.
Published: 29 May 2003 14:19 BST
One security measure is that the code centre does not deliver any code that is not immediately needed. This is also a performance measure because it would really gum up a network to have the entire source code and symbols downloaded to developer stations. Additionally, when not used, the various downloaded symbols and code snippets are removed from the user's workstation.
Another mechanism is the use of Smart Cards. When you subscribe to the code centre, you receive a Smart Card and a reader to plug into your workstation. You sign on by using the card and the reader and a PIN you give yourself. The card contains encryption codes to ensure that communication with Microsoft occurs with the appropriate level of security.
Another mechanism is work centre certification. Before an organisation can be accepted into the program, they must have an IT infrastructure that is large enough, and has the appropriate levels of physical and logical security.
Conclusion
The whole scenario walks the line between socialism and capitalism -- can anybody ever actually own anything? It gets even weirder when you consider the implications of intellectual property. Finally, in my opinion, this strategy is not some half-hearted attempt to appease the folks who want Microsoft to release its code. It is a full-fledged effort with nothing held back. All of the code is there -- for Personal, Professional, Server, Advanced Server, and Datacenter versions; 2000, XP, and future versions; x86 and IA64; and all Beta and Service Releases.
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