Microsoft Is Working On a Cloud Operating System For the US Government

[Vitalius]

Story at /.
 

 

SmartAboutThings writes

"It seems that Microsoft is relying even more on the opportunities provided by the cloud technology. The Redmond behemoth is preparing to come up with a cloud operating system that is specially meant for government purposes . Government agencies already use two of Microsoft's basic cloud products: Windows Azure and Windows Server. But now it seems that Microsoft is working on a modified version of its somewhat new Cloud OS that could bear the name "Fairfax", Compared to Windows Azure, "Fairfax" cloud operating system would provide  enhanced security, relying on physical servers on site at government locations. Given the fact that CEO Steve Ballmer is striving to make Microsoft much more than a powerful software giant, such a project makes sense, especially because it would help in their lobby activities."

Huh. I wonder what it could/will be used for. (*cough* NSA/PRISM *cough*)

"help their lobby activities"... Lobbying needs to die. :|

[Samdb]

So SkyDrive (or whatever it's called now) isn't usable anymore because they will probably have backdoors everywhere, not to mention their neighbor will be the NSA.

[ProGearUk]

This seems silly. I will never have an OS that is in the cloud if I do not have to. It will basically be just mass virtualization where the computing power and subsequent os is stored in the cloud and then small units for the mouse,keyboard usb and screen are run locally. I would like that to be it.

[sabot]

I think there is going to be too many issues with hacking, one hack for too many of the governments computer. This could be useful for a hotel or school computer lab though.