Brad Smith Source Quotations

With today's announcement, Microsoft has supplemented the existing resources with a new license for all of the Windows Server source code that implements all of the communications protocols covered by the 2004 decision.

If someone pays for a license, they will get access to the source code.

Of particular concern is the Commission's latest demand, that the internal workings of Windows be documented and licensed, which can open the door to the production of clones. The Commission confuses disclosure of the source code with disclosure of the internals and insists that it will fine the company if it fails to address this.

Although five European computer science professors have already confirmed that our documentation meets or exceeds industry standards, we are committed to doing everything in our power to address the Commission's concerns. These new documentation projects, together with free and unlimited technical support and access to Windows source code, will ensure that our competitors have all the assistance they need to make this Program effective.

The Windows source code is the ultimate documentation of Windows server technologies. With this step our goal is to resolve all questions about the sufficiency of our technical documentation.

We're not obligated to license this source code. But one thing is perfectly clear. If you're not able to understand these protocols, the source code is the ultimate documentation. It is the DNA of the Windows server operating system.

To continue to foster consistency between both licensing programs, Microsoft has decided to make available for the desktop protocols the same reference license for source code it is offering for server protocols, and the company will provide competition authorities in the United States with information so they can consider the matter.

The source code is the ultimate documentation. It should have the answer to any questions that remain.

These new documentation projects, together with free and unlimited technical support and access to Windows source code, will ensure that our competitors have all the assistance they need.

We have now come to the conclusion that the only way to be certain of satisfying the Commission's demands is to go beyond the 2004 Decision and offer a license to the source code of the Windows server operating system. The Windows source code is the ultimate documentation.

We are announcing today that we will ... license the Windows source code itself.