On Tuesday February 15, 2005, Bill Gates announced plans for a new version of Internet Explorer for Windows XP SP2 as part of the keynote address at the RSA Security Conference in San Francisco, CA. The new version will be called Internet Explorer 7 and a beta version will be available this summer. This information is under NDA and reserved for our Microsoft MVPs and should be treated as confidential until this information goes public at 9:30AM PST.

The following is our strategy and messaging for the Internet Explorer 7 announcement:

Microsoft browser security strategy · In today’s interconnected world, security is a top priority for Microsoft’s customers. Browsers are particularly targeted for malicious attacks because of their role as the Internet gateway for PC users. Microsoft works to protect customers in multiple ways, including engineering excellence in software development, technical innovation for new security features, rapid and broad distribution of security updates for browser vulnerabilities, and an industry-leading 24x7 security incident response via the Microsoft Security Response Center.

Major security upgrade to IE in SP2 · In the interest of helping to better protect our customers, we delivered XP SP2 last year, which included a major security upgrade to IE. IE in SP2 features a much stronger security infrastructure to help thwart malware attacks, block suspicious content, and eliminate many common spoofing attempts. In addition, it provides users with more control over the software that is installed on their system when browsing the Internet, helping to block unwanted downloads, including spyware.

· Response to SP2 has been extremely positive. To date, we have delivered more than 170 million copies of SP2. A recent report from Web analytics firm WebSideStory shows that almost half of all computer users browsing the web on weekends are using SP2.

Road ahead · But we recognize there is more to be done, and we are committed to continued innovation, and to work to stay ahead of malicious hackers. That is why Microsoft later this year will ship Windows AntiSpyware, which is already in beta testing, to further protect Internet Explorer users from spyware.

· Microsoft today is also committing to deliver a new version of Internet Explorer for Windows XP customers. This version, called IE 7, will add new levels of security to Windows XP SP2 while maintaining the level of extensibility and compatibility customers have come to expect from IE.

· IE 7 will build on and broaden the progress made in SP 2, while putting in place even stronger defenses against phishing, malware and spyware.

· A beta version of IE 7 will be available this summer with the final version shipping once IE 7 meets the quality standards our customers demand.