Leader: Open, caring-sharing Microsoft

Microsoft has recently taken a bit of a public beating from security companies McAfee and Symantec over the access – or rather, the lack of it – Redmond has provided to Vista, its upcoming operating system.

The security companies claim they are unable to do their job properly and, as such, users may be less secure. Others have suggested they have simply failed to plan effectively for the rollout of Vista.

Either way, Microsoft once again found itself on the receiving end of criticism with anti-competitive undertones. So it was doubtless refreshing for those in the company's marketing department to hear an ally speaking with near-affection for what the company has done with one of its other launches, Internet Explorer 7.

VeriSign heartily praised the anti-phishing technologies included in the revamped browser and for a minute Microsoft was able to bask in a light that put other concerns dogging its launch, such as some compatibility issues, into the shade.

More encouragingly it was the manner of Microsoft's co-operation (can this be the same company?) that earned the greatest praise from one of VeriSign's directors.

He told silicon.com: "Microsoft could have said here's IE 7, here's what it is and here's what you're going to do but they took an egalitarian approach.

"I know we all like to beat up Microsoft but in this case they have been so selfless."

The reason would appear to be Microsoft has realised its position – stood astride the world like an all-conquering colossus - means it has the greatest chance of effecting widespread change among end users but its knowledge base and the reach of its technology will only take it so far and collaboration is essential.

This publication has to praise Microsoft for its approach. We hope this exception can become the rule.