Germany's defense and foreign ministries are reported to have made the decision to stop using software from U.S. software giant Microsoft Corporation. The reason for the decision: Germany's security. German authorities received information that the U.S. Secret Service has the capability to decode all Microsoft products and data files generated using those products. The German defense ministry plans to use decoding technology made only by German companies, either Siemens AG or Deutsche Telekom AG.

Security concerns are also the reason for the cancellation of German foreign ministry plans to use satellite-videoconferencing technology with its embassies.

Source: Der Spiegel, March 19, 2001.