Security gurus welcome Microsoft's goal

Security experts hope that this time Microsoft really, really means it.

And past initiatives have not delivered spectacular results, either.

Despite Microsoft’sSecure Windows Initiativeand itsStrategic Technology Protection Program, the companyfell afoulof amajor problemwith its flagship Windows XP software.

While the company’s new focus is welcome, some in the security community remain cautious.

In that instance, the company pitched itsproposalas a charitable solution that would provide free software to needy schools.

But competitorscharacterizedthe move as an effort to monopolize the education market.

Similarly, some wonder whether the new security initiative can be taken at face value.

And even if it can, some are concerned it could wind up having a downside.

“They should want their employees to know as much about a vulnerability as possible,” Dittrich said.