Citrix Inks Pact For Windows Source Code Access

Citrix Systems Microsoft

Under the three-year deal, Citrix will have continued access to source code and interfaces for the Windows NT, 2000 and .Net Server platforms, as well as any new Windows releases during the term of the agreement, said Bob Kruger, senior vice president of product development and CTO at Citrix, Fort Lauderdale, during a conference call.

Citrix' MetaFrame platform delivers client/server applications via a server-based computing model.

"While Citrix has long maintained that we could continue to evolve the MetaFrame product line without access to Windows Server source code, the availability of the code definitely makes our job easier, enables us to be more punctual with new features and helps to ensure the rigorous level of quality for which our products are known," Kruger said.

The agreement does not include financial payments to or from either company, Citrix said.

A five-year agreement between Microsoft and Citrix, through which Citrix developed technology for Microsoft that is now part of the Windows Server operating systems, expired this month.

The continuation of Citrix's partnership with Microsoft is good news for both companies, said Thomas Bunch, senior vice president and chief strategy officer at Vector ESP, a solution provider based in Houston.

"Citrix has got some great, innovative technology and will continue to embellish [Windows 2000 Terminal Services most likely sooner and maybe more elegantly than what Microsoft could do on its own," Bunch said.

The strength of Citrix's relationship with Microsoft was hotly debated last fall after rumors circulated on Wall Street that Microsoft might partner with or acquire Citrix competitor New Moon. Those rumors have not yet proven true.

Shares of Citrix closed up 94 cents at $12.38 Thursday.