News

Microsoft Code-name Alert: Springboard

Microsoft has a new code-named project for security called "Springboard" that's designed to harden products already on the market.

The term surfaced following Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's speech to partners last week. The first Springboard work is going into the security hardening of Windows XP in Service Pack 2, due out next year, and Windows Server 2003 in Service Pack 1, due out sometime later.

Those hardening efforts will include the changing of defaults, such as default installation of the Internet Connection Firewall in Windows XP, and new features, such as client inspections by Windows Server 2003 to guard against security problems introduced by mobile computers.

But the Springboard project will go beyond operating systems, Microsoft officials say. Stan Sorensen, director of product marketing for SQL Server, confirms that SQL Server 2000 will go through the process. The date for a Springboard-related deliverable for SQL hasn't yet been determined. "We're pushing aggressively to make sure that we've got the timing down," Sorensen said.

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.

Featured

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Notebook

    Microsoft Centers AI, Security and Partner Dogfooding at MCAPS

    Microsoft's second annual MCAPS for Partners event took place Tuesday, delivering a volley of updates and directives for its partners for fiscal 2026.

  • Microsoft Layoffs: AI Is the Obvious Elephant in the Room

    As Microsoft doubles down on an $80 billion bet on AI this fiscal year, its workforce reductions are drawing scrutiny over whether AI's ascent is quietly reshaping its human capital strategy, even as official messaging avoids drawing a direct line.

Most   Popular