Microsoft Signs Pact With Japanese Police

Microsoft Corp. signed a three-year agreement with Japan’s National Police Agency to supply security training and exchange technical information on fighting computer and Internet crime.

Microsoft will work with the agency’s High-Tech Crime Technology Division on information and Internet security analysis and secure communications within law enforcement agencies, the company said.

Microsoft’s products have long been criticized for security gaps that allow hackers to invade computers and networks to steal information and plant destructive software.

The company also said it would sell a low-cost version of its Windows operating system in Mexico and later in all of Latin America to boost sales in developing countries and deter piracy.