Microsoft's recent spate of software security breaches has prompted a new focus on security and privacy issues. But some observers wonder if the new strategy is marketing spin, or a real effort to correct the problems of the past. "When we face a choice between adding features and resolving security issues, we need to choose security," Gates wrote in an e-mail sent to Microsoft employees. "Our products should emphasize security right out of the box." The move comes on the heels of the software titan finally fixing a technical glitch in one of its servers that had caused confusion among Windows users. The error caused the company's automated updating system to fail frequently during a five-day period.

At the same time a security expert revealed that new privacy-enhancing controls in Microsoft's Internet Explorer 6.0 can be rendered useless by a long-known security flaw in Windows Media Player. While security experts gave Gates' message high marks, they withheld judgment on whether Microsoft can deliver. The company's new focus is welcome, but some in the security community remain cautious. Microsoft--a company found to have abused its monopoly power--isn't exactly the poster child for trustworthiness, and some are wary of the new initiative.