Hong Kong signed an agreement with Microsoft today to join the company's Government Security Programme, which enables the Government to know better the internal design and coding of Microsoft Windows products, the Information Technology Services Department says.

The three-year programme will also help enhance government technology and support capability in the use of products, and foster a better understanding of the integration of Microsoft products with other products.

The agreement does not, however, commit the Government on the use of Microsoft products.

Announced in January, the programme is a standing offer from Microsoft to permit government bodies to access without charge the software source codes and related information of various Microsoft Windows Operating System products subject to any US applicable export restrictions.

Full disclosure, Redmond trip on offer

Technical information and security documentation, which Microsoft does not otherwise share, will be disclosed to the government signatories. 

Parties that sign the agreement are also offered the opportunity to visit Microsoft development facilities in Redmond, Washington, to meet with product development and security experts as well as review the Windows source-development process.