Today at the Microsoft� Worldwide Partner Conference 2004, Mike Nash, corporate vice president for the Security Business and Technology Unit at Microsoft Corp., provided an update on the continued commitment Microsoft has made to help improve the security of computers and networks. Nash outlined steps Microsoft has taken and noted measured progress to date, including technical innovation in providing greater isolation and resiliency for computers and networks; improvements to security update tools and processes; expanded authorization, authentication and access control capabilities; improvements to quality through a commitment to engineering excellence; and success in providing global customer guidance and engagement. Nash also announced the general availability of Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004 and outlined Microsoft's strategy for Network Access Protection technologies.

"Our customers have asked us to work together to make it easier for them to protect their networks against malicious attacks," Nash said. "Although we've seen progress in addressing some of our top customer concerns, we remain focused on the evolving security challenges and are committed to working with industry partners to improve the security of PCs and networks around the world."