The spokesperson added that additional security measures would be taken to secure information, including the use of security software by other companies.


What does that mean? It could certainly mean that Microsoft software is being replaced in security sensitive areas.

It is unclear whether the report of the ban was in fact unfounded, or if the Defense Ministry has done some speedy backpedalling to preserve good relations with the US


Given other moves in Germany, I'd be very surprised if the original report was completely unfounded. It is probable the current contracts with Microsoft will be allowed to play out, since breaking them would make a mess, and as long as they're paying for the stuff, I'd expect them to actually use it somewhere.