A recent report on Microsoft and security suggests that the technology giant was right to embark on its Trustworthy Computing initiative to make users more confident in the security of its products. For its report, analyst firm Forrester asked IT managers for their opinions of Windows systems and found that two-thirds viewed security as the most pressing concern.

Despite their fears about the security of Windows deployments, nine out of 10 firms were still running sensitive applications on Microsoft platforms.

The fact that firms preferred to deal with the risks of Windows rather than swap to a different and arguably more secure platform was no surprise to some IT experts. "It remains the server platform of choice when the full cost of ownership is considered, even taking into account the apparent concerns and the cost of ongoing patching," said Nick Mayhew, chief technology officer of web-based solutions specialist Domino Systems.

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