Microsoft Develops Custom Windows 10 For Chinese Government

Microsoft is working with the Chinese government to produce a customised version of its Windows 10 for use in the public sector.

A joint-venture, provisionally called C&M Technologies, has been created to license, deploy, manage and optimise a new version of the operating system for government agencies in China.

Based in Beijing, C&M Technologies will also work with state-owned enterprises in key infrastructure fields such as energy, telecommunications, and transportation.

Building

Microsoft says the joint-venture will have three key roles in China, as alongside acting as the exclusive government-approved Windows 10 licensor for government and enterprise customers, it will also provide support for government-selected antivirus software, as well as providing product activation, patch management, deployment services and product support.

It will also look to develop future updates to Windows 10 based on the feedback from these customers.

Given China’s notoriously strong censorship laws, Microsoft is keen to emphasise that it will maintain ownership of the core Windows 10 technology during its work, meaning customers and partners will still be permitted to build add-ons.

The deal marks Microsoft’s latest top-level deal in China, and will build on its existing relationship with China Electronics Technology Group following a previous agreement signed back in September.

The company also recently signed deals with search engine Baidu to make upgrading to Windows 10 easier than ever for its customers, as well as holding partnerships with other Chinese heavyweights including Qihoo 360, Tencent and Lenovo.

“From the beginning, Windows 10 has been designed as a global service – available in 190 markets around the world,” said Microsoft’s Yusuf Mehdi. “It’s important to us to deliver Windows around the world, helping people be more productive and do great things, and to deliver on Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more.

“Today’s news is a good example of how we can help governments around the world use the trusted technology they need for their employees, helping them serve their citizens and realise economic growth.”

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