"We're opening up a new paradigm for which there is no established system of collecting data, " de Soto says of the assessment stage of his efforts.

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Other software works on ways to transform applications while minimizing risks like compliance or dependence on the software by a remote department, then put it in a cloud environment, untied to any particular server if that is appropriate. (This stage is where the Microsoft part comes in.) Afterward, there is a security assessment, checking software for security attacks in real time.

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The proposal, which also called for an independent review of the assessment plans, was put forward by crossbench peer Baroness Grey-Thompson during day four of report stage of the Welfare Reform Bill on 17 January 2012.

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