Is Microsoft cooking something extra juicy for Linux/open source? The Redmond company announced earlier this week that a prominent member of the open source security world has jumped onboard, switching sides from Linux to Windows. Michael Howard, Senior Security Program Manager in the Security Engineering group at Microsoft, revealed that Crispin Cowan, CTO & Co-Founder, Immunix, would be joining the core Windows Security Team. And in this context, it appears that Cowan will not be dealing with Linux any more at Microsoft, but strictly with the Windows operating system.

"For those of you who don't know Crispin, Crispin is responsible for a number of very well respected Linux-based security technologies such as StackGuard, the Immunix Linux distro, SubDomain and AppArmor. I've known Crispin for many years, and have nothing but the utmost respect for the guy. He's well published, wicked smart, a non-zealot and brutally pragmatic. In my opinion, AppArmor is shining example of his pragmatism, it's simple and it works. What excites me the most is he'll bring a different perspective to the Windows team, and I'm a big believer in stirring the pot," Howard explained.

Cowan's official web page now features a reference to the new role he has taken with Microsoft. On top of a consistent list of Linux and open source projects, it is now Cowan's new role with the Redmond company: Core OS Security. And if you thought that the "annoying" User Account Control is going to disappear after Windows Vista, with no trace left in Windows 7, then you are mistaken. Cowan's new role will in fact be connected with the evolution of the UAC in the next version of the Windows operating system. "Crispin will work in the same team that worked on User Account Control (UAC) and integrity levels, an area he knows a great deal about," Howard added.