Microsoft attributes Windows downtime to EU-mandated ‘interoperability’ pact

Not only do software developers have permission to access Windows Client and Server operating systems under this agreement, they are also granted federated entry to Microsoft’s PC efficiency applications, SharePoint, Outlook and Exchange, and the .NET framework.

It is worth noting that the EU has not been successful in negotiating similar conditions with Apple or Google, which is why macOS and ChromeOS are exempt from any inclusivity commitments. This could be attributed to the differences in business models between these companies and Microsoft. Apple follows a closed software integration model, whereas Google’s open-source Android platform already offers a high level of transparency.

The downtime caused by CrowdStrike could have been prevented

While the objective of the agreement is to establish a level playing field by enabling third-party software developers to seamlessly integrate and function with Microsoft’s products, it does raise security concerns as it exposes critical Microsoft systems to third-party entry, potentially leading to widespread disruptions as observed in the recent CrowdStrike patch debacle.

About Author

AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

See author's posts