Microsoft Surface Joins the Open Device Partnership (ODP)

More Secure, Reliable, and Flexible Devices for Today and Tomorrow ​

At Surface, our commitment to delivering exceptional devices means continuously investing in leading-edge technology that ensures security, reliability, and innovation at every level. That’s why we’re excited to announce that Surface is joining and taking a leadership position in the Open Device Partnership (ODP). 

What is ODP?​

ODP is an industry-wide, open-source initiative focused on advancing security, fundamentals, and standardization in device software. The partnership's work addresses long-standing challenges in firmware and system design by leveraging memory-safe programming languages like Rust and hardware-rooted security features and doing so based on standards that will work across a partner's entire device product line. This approach reduces exposure to common vulnerabilities while providing manufacturers with a sustainable, consistent foundation that lowers engineering costs across product lines. As part of Open Device Partnership (ODP), Surface is investing in several foundational technologies that are shaping the future of secure and reliable devices including:

• Patina, Rust-based, UEFI-compatible firmware designed for memory safety and to address long standing challenges in the PC firmware ecosystem.
• Secure Embedded Controller (EC) firmware, providing a modern, security-focused embedded controller implementation designed to eliminate classes of bugs prevalent in legacy EC codebases.
• Unified OS-EC service interface, ensuring that operating systems can interact with embedded controllers in a consistent, well-defined way across devices.

What This Means for Surface Customers and Partners ​

• Stronger Security: ODP is built with modern tools, including Rust — a programming language known for safety and reliability. This reduces vulnerabilities and helps protect your device from emerging threats. 
• Consistent Quality: Shared, tested firmware components mean fewer bugs and better performance across device lines. 
• Faster Innovation: ODP’s modular design lets Surface engineers integrate new features and hardware more quickly, so you get access to the latest advancements sooner. 
• Supply Chain Transparency: Using an open platform improves supply chain visibility and compliance, helping maintain product integrity and trust. 
• Future Ready: ODP supports both current and emerging hardware standards, positioning Surface devices to adapt to new capabilities as they develop. 

A Partnership That Benefits Everyone ​

Adopting ODP is not just about Surface improving its own devices — it’s about joining a growing ecosystem of hardware makers, silicon vendors, and software engineers collaborating to create a more secure and innovative computing future. 

This collaboration accelerates Surface’s ability to deliver transformative, reliable devices while contributing valuable real-world experience back into the open-source community. Together, we’re advancing firmware technology to benefit all users — from individual consumers to enterprise customers and resellers. 

We are excited to be contributing to this partnership and look forward to sharing more information in the future.

References​

• A proactive approach to more secure code
• NSA and CISA Release CSI Highlighting Importance of Memory Safe Languages in Software Security > National Security Agency/Central Security Service > Press Release View