This time, in the end, Microsoft listened to customers, delivered the goods and did the right thing. Eventually.

Almost exactly four years ago, Bill Gates wrote his "Trustworthy Computing" memo telling Microsoft employees to treat security as a top priority. Since then, we've been told, Microsoft has made great strides in improving its products' security. And it's clear from the fast, decisive action of Microsoft developers that they understand what's needed.

But it's just as clear that when it comes to figuring out security, Microsoft's management still has a long way to go.

-- Frank Hayes, Computerworld's senior news columnist, has covered IT for more than 20 years. Contact him at frank_hayes@computerworld.com.