In an effort to protect itself from potential lawsuits over competition issues MIcrosoft has agreed to give essential data to dozens of security software firms on Monday so their products can work smoothly with the new Vista operating system.
The security companies require the codes as they will allow them to suppress Microsoft’s own security “pop-ups” if a PC user decides to buy alternative security software, thus keeping brands distinct from that of Microsoft.
Software firms had access to the kernel in the past but with the release of Vista, Microsoft has disallowed access directly to the kernel to make a more stable and secure operating system.
Asked when Microsoft would deliver the data, chief executive Steve Ballmer told Reuters in Rome: “Today, Seattle time, not Rome time”.
The data in question are Application Program Interfaces, or APIs, which are in essence levers or buttons that other companies call upon so their software will run on Windows.
The APIs are expected to be made available on a Web site to which security software providers have exclusive access, a Brussels-based spokesman for Microsoft said.
