Microsoft has been everything but shy about applauding Windows Vista as an apex of security for the Windows platform. In the Redmond company's perspective, Vista is simply the safest Windows operating system on the market, and there are little arguments available to contradict this position. Still, Microsoft is not marketing Vista as a panacea for all security issues. This would simply imply too much of a gambit. However, hiding behind terminology, the Redmond company does point out the fact that the best solution for optimizing client security is Windows Vista.

And the best example, designed to basically speak for itself when it comes down to adopting Windows Vista for security reasons is none other than Microsoft. Well, Microsoft IT to be more specific. Dogfooding Windows is nothing new for Microsoft, and Vista makes no exception to this rule. Microsoft IT installed Vista across the company's extensive campuses worldwide for in excess of 90,000 users.

"Microsoft IT deployed Windows Vista to strengthen the security of the data network and data storage, and to provide improved defenses against the threats of unauthorized access and communications. (...) Microsoft IT requires the ability to continuously reduce vulnerabilities and mitigate the risks of unauthorized, damaging, or accidental threats against the corporate network. In addition to ensuring a high standard of security, Microsoft IT must accomplish these goals by using cost-effective solutions. Through all of its efforts to achieve these continuously evolving, high standards of information security, Microsoft is under the observation of companies all over the globe that will also implement these leading-edge technologies-by taking advantage of Microsoft experiences and lessons learned," Microsoft revealed in the "Optimizing Client Security by Using Windows Vista" Technical White Paper.

Microsoft goes on to underscore the fact that the alternative to not deploying Windows Vista is a huge cost of compromise. While the security problem is indeed insurmountable - and Vista will bring only a higher standard of security, but one destined to become obsolete in time - Microsoft is focusing on the operating system as the best solution to keep PCs safe.

"Windows Vista is the most secure and trustworthy Windows operating system yet, and it will help organizations achieve their business and computing goals with confidence. With new features such as User Account Control and Internet Explorer Protected Mode, users can be productive and receive protection from system-wide malicious software installations, while still being able to run most applications. With BitLocker Drive Encryption, confidential information on a lost or stolen computer can remain confidential," the company added.