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Security problems are discovered in Microsoft products more often than even paid professionals can keep track of, so it’s hardly news when someone discovers yet another flaw. What caught my attention this morning, however, was the ironic juxtaposition of the following headlines, both from CNET News.

Microsoft wins Homeland Security deal
(July 16, 2003, 8:14 AM PT)

The Department of Homeland Security has awarded a five-year, $90 million agreement to Microsoft to become the department’s primary technology provider. Under the contract announced Tuesday, Microsoft will supply desktop and server software to the newly created department, which has merged parts of 22 government agencies into one entity. 

Microsoft warns of critical Windows flaw
(July 16, 2003, 1:09 PM PT)

The software giant issued a patch Wednesday morning to plug a critical security hole that could allow an attacker to take control of computers running any version of Windows except for Windows ME. 

…

“It should be emphasized that this vulnerability poses an enormous threat, and appropriate patches provided by Microsoft should be immediately applied,” the group said in an advisory posted to its Web site. The group said that programs designed to exploit the vulnerability will likely be available on the Internet soon.

…

Microsoft is well into the second year of its Trustworthy Computing initiative. Aimed at boosting customers’ trust in the company’s products, the initiative has been both praised as a bold move to become a leader in security and criticized as largely ineffectual. 

Much belated update: July 25

I see that others in the blogosphere noticed the irony of this news as well. In particular, Jeffrey Zeldman wrote what I wanted to express:

[Windows is] produced by a company the Department of Justice found guilty of criminally abusing its monopoly power—a finding that is supposed to result in punishment, not in fat contracts bankrolled by taxpayers.

Eric Meyer also expressed a shared sentiment:

Just the other day, Kat and I were kicking around the idea of moving to another country as sort of a grand adventure and interesting career move for us both. Now the idea almost seems like a reasonable personal safety measure.

Fortunately, I’m already living in another country, one that seems at least somewhat inclined to use reliable systems for important tasks.

Japan Govt Opts for Linux for Payroll System

TOKYO (Reuters) - Computer giant Fujitsu Ltd said on Wednesday it, IBM Japan Ltd and Oki Electric Industry Co have won a 188 million yen ($1.59 million) contract to design a Japanese government payroll computer system using Linux.

There are, of course, concerns about Japan’s use of Microsoft products in other areas, notably in the national ID system.