Besides introducing its new Surface Pro device at its Shanghai event yesterday, Microsoft also unveiled a version of Windows 10 developed specifically for the Chinese government and state-owned entities. Called the Windows 10 China Government Edtion, the company says that the OS is developed by CMIT, a joint venture between Microsoft and CETC.
The special edition OS is based on the Windows 10 Enterprise Edition, but meets security standards of the Chinese government. The new version will be pilot tested by three government agencies with China Customs at the national level, City of Shanghai (EITC) at the regional level, and Westone Information Technology at the state-owned enterprise level.
The Windows 10 Enterprise Edition includes options like security, identity, deployment and manageability features that governments and enterprises need on their systems. With Windows 10 China Government Edition, officials can remove unwanted features and manage all telemetry and updates.
"For more than two decades, Microsoft has had the distinct honor to work in China, learning and advancing technology together. Over the last two years, we have earnestly cooperated with the Chinese government on the security review of Windows 10," said Terry Myerson, Executive Vice President, Windows and Devices Group.
The government can also use its own encryption algorithms within computer systems running Windows 10 China Government Edition. Lenovo will be one of the first OEM partners to introduce Windowws 10 China Government Edition on new devices. Myerson also confirmed that HoloLens, will now start shipping to developers in China. The company has also started taking preorders for the Surface Studio and that the Surface Laptop will start shipping from June 15.