London: Web search group Google Inc is phasing out internal use of rival Microsoft Corp`s Windows operating system because of security concerns following a Chinese
Citing several Google employees, the FT said the decision to move to other operating systems including Apple Inc`s Mac OS and open-source Linux began in earnest in January after Google`s Chinese operations were hacked.
Internet security firm McAfee Inc said at the time the cyber attacks on Google and other businesses had exploited a previously unknown flaw in Microsoft`s Internet Explorer browser, which was vulnerable on all recent versions of Windows.
The FT quoted one Google employee as saying: "We`re not doing any more Windows. It is a security effort." Another said: "Getting a new Windows machine now requires CIO (chief information officer) approval."
Google said in a statement: "We`re always working to improve the efficiency of our business, but we do not comment on specific operational matters."
Google, which already offers e-mail, Web and other software products that compete with Microsoft`s offerings, is developing its own operating system based on its Chrome browser. It will initially target netbooks, or inexpensive, pared-down notebook PCs.
Microsoft Windows runs about nine out of 10 of the world`s personal computers.
Bureau Report
