March 12, 2001 - Microsoft has announced that it will allow its largest clients access to the source code behind the Windows 2000 operating system. The new initiative is known as the Enterprise Source Licensing Program. So far, Microsoft has generally only allowed OEM vendors access to the source code, with some exceptions. However, the new program will extend the priviledge to companies with 1,500 licenses or more of Windows 2000.
Like most operating system vendors, Microsoft has historically been reluctant to open up its proprietary operating system source code to viewing by outsiders. However, the source code has been made available to some clients in the past. One legitimate reason that a company would want to see the Windows source code is to aid in developing software for the operating system. A company might use the source code to help identify whether a given bug was present in the operating system or in the application being developed. Educational institutions are also interested in using the source code as an example of industry code.
The increased availability of the source code is hoped by some to have the potential to aid in finding new bugs in the Windows 2000 operating system. However, Microsoft has made it clear that recipients of the source code will not be able to modify it to create their own versions of Windows. Bug fixes will be done through specific Microsoft channels.
