Microsoft Patches

Ever wonder why it takes so long for Microsoft to release a vulnerability patch for Windows or IE? eWeek has a detailed account on the efforts Microsoft goes through to release a patch. What the delays usually come down to is the testing. Microsoft supports a number of different versions of their products, in quite a number of different languages. Their commitment is to ensure that all supported releases and languages get the fix as soon as possible -- at the same time. So, while a fix may be available for a specific release in a specific language first, it must then be rolled out to other releases and languages, and tested, before a single patch is released.

Still, I feel no sympathy for Microsoft. They are in the business of selling digital safes for my information. They need to ensure the digital safe they sell can't be cracked. They've made billions selling flawed products. It's time they cleaned up the mess they've left behind. I can't help but interpret the eWeek article as a bit of propaganda effort from Microsoft.