Summary
It's clear that Windows XP has the architectural capability to scale into directions needed in the future for providing security and stability. With any security-oriented strategy in a product, there's the challenge of constantly keeping the product current with the latest knowledge of security in general. With the need for security growing greater than ever, and the fact that cable modems and ISDN access are bringing more companies and individuals online more than ever before, security needs to be the central focus of any new operating system. Microsoft's focus on providing a firewall in Windows XP is a step in the right direction, as is the development of the Encrypting File System (EFS). Look for Microsoft to accentuate its EFS system and the role this file system will have in secured areas of both small businesses and Global 2,500 companies.