I agree with your top point, and would also hazard a guess that these agencies hire lots of ex MSFT people as well. Also, when you are the federal government,

I agree with your top point, and would also hazard a guess that these agencies hire lots of ex MSFT people as well. Also, when you are the federal government, you can always "suggest" Microsoft do certain things, and give them an offer too good to refuse. I think the biggest thought this article left out is that I wouldn't be surprised at all if microsoft and the NSA were in bed together, and in a perfectly "legal" manner, with both parties full aware. And working together. I'd bet microsoft even does a little consulting/contracting work for them.