14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has completed development of a Windows 10 version specifically tailored for the Chinese market, a company official revealed, as the software giant has been working with local authorities to address security concerns in the operating system.
Alain Crozier, CEO of Microsoft Greater China, explained in a recent statement that Microsoft’s local joint venture, C&M Information Technologies, which was formed in September 2016 with state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corp, developed a Windows 10 version with custom security features in order to comply with the country’s requirements.
This Windows 10 version makes it possible for Microsoft to install the operating system on government computers, after Windows was banned by local authorities following information leaks from whistleblower Edward Snowden in the United States.
“We have already developed the first version of the Windows 10 government secure system. It has been tested by three large enterprise customers,” Microsoft’s official was quoted as saying by China Daily. “We have worked extensively to make it secure and controllable. We are now ready to serve the market.”
Microsoft in China
Microsoft’s operations in China hit several roadblocks, mostly after the government accused the company of trying to spy on users and country officials with its software.
Windows 8 was banned on government computers due to concerns that the operating system could hide backdoors used as part of surveillance programs, while the company’s offices in the country were raided by prosecutors as part of anti-trust investigations whose purpose remained vague.
Microsoft, on the other hand, has always expressed its intention to work with Chinese authorities on addressing these concerns, and the custom version of Windows 10 boasting security features specifically tailored to meet China requirements is living proof that the software giant doesn’t want to stay away from one of the largest markets worldwide.
If the government approves this version of Windows 10 and installs it on its systems, adoption of the operating system is very likely to increase in the country, as most agencies would most likely do the same and migrate to Windows 10 in the next months.