When: January 14, 2003

What: Microsoft unveils the Government Security Program, providing national governments with access to Windows source code. Russia is the first country to sign up.

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FUDFactor: Not only will this make Windows a more secure platform for government agencies around the world, it will eradicate any reason to adopt open-source programs for government work.

FUDBust: This is nothing more than a fear reaction to Linux, and it will not work. Program adopters are missing the point here--that next year Microsoft can double pricing, and there's nothing a business, or government agency, can do about it. While having the source might sway some governments, most will go forward with open-source plans that reduce both cost and risk. FreeBSD and Linux will be the standard government OSs throughout the world in less than 10 years, maybe sooner. The only exception is with the U.S. government: We continue to protect our businesses long after the business models get old.