Microsoft Has Active Patch Tuesday -- Redmondmag.com

Microsoft Has Active Patch Tuesday

By Peter Varhol
06/12/2007

Microsoft released a total of six security-oriented patches today, with four rated critical, one rated important and one rated moderate. The four critical security updates all target Windows Vista, including one shared with Internet Explorer and one shared with Outlook Express Windows Mail. In addition, Office Visio has one update that applies to both Visio 2002 and 2003.

All but one of these patches address issues that relate to remote code execution, the ability of an unauthorized user to upload and run potentially malicious code. The remaining patch, rated moderate, involves the potential for inappropriate and unauthorized information disclosure.

In addition, Microsoft is planning to release seven non-security, high-priority updates on Microsoft Update and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).

This was the first month that Microsoft included a more detailed advance notification on patches. Did you find this level of detail useful in preparing to apply patches? Let me know at [email protected].

IBM To Acquire Telelogic
In a move that shakes up the enterprise software lifecycle management business, IBM is acquiring Telelogic, a Swedish maker of software for managing enterprise product and software planning and development. IBM has offered 21 Swedish Kronor per share, which works out to about $745 million.

Telelogic is best known for its DOORS system requirements management software, an enterprise-quality package for defining, building and testing complex systems. It's in use in defense and enterprise projects that are highly complex, with many interacting components.

The company has also made significant inroads in enterprise architecture in recent years with the 2004 acquisition of Popkin Software. With the acquisition of I-Logix in 2006, Telelogic also obtained a mature Unified Modeling Language (UML) product portfolio to complement its System Design Language (SDL) modeling tools.

Some analysts think it's possible that other bids may emerge, including from Microsoft. However, it looks like Telelogic's days as an independent company are numbered. Telelogic, with a staff of around 900, would become part of IBM's Rational Software unit once the deal closes.

Do you use any Telelogic products? Are you concerned about the future of those products? Let me know at [email protected].

Microsoft Connects Development Tools
In a move to provide closer integration between its development offerings, Microsoft yesterday made available the Visual Studio Team Foundation Server-Project Server 2007 Connector (also called the PS-TFS Connector).

This connector is free software that links the two products, and is available for download at http://www.codeplex.com/pstfsconnector. Teams will be able to better share work items, milestone information, groups and users, and resource information across the two products.

Do you use Project Server for any development efforts? Tell me if this will help at [email protected].

IBM Makes Rational Announcements
IBM begins its Rational User Group Conference in Orlando this week with a sweeping announcement of new products supporting collaborative and distributed team development.

This includes the latest version of IBM Rational ClearCase for source code management; Rational Asset Manager for tracking software asset use; and Concert, a collaborative portal designed to improve software delivery team productivity.

In addition, the company has launched Jazz.net, a site designed to enable customers and partners to collaborate with IBM on the development of software. IBM uses the term "open commercial community" to describe this effort.

Do you use Rational tools such as ClearCase? Will you join in with IBM on collaboratively building new solutions with Jazz.net? Tell me at [email protected].

About the Author

Peter Varhol is the executive editor, reviews of Redmond magazine and has more than 20 years of experience as a software developer, software product manager and technology writer. He has graduate degrees in computer science and mathematics, and has taught both subjects at the university level.

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