Windows XP SP2 Delayed Until Late 2004
Spinner
Birmingham, UK
Microsoft has suprisingly pushed back the release date for its second Windows XP service pack, to the third quarter of 2004. Originally, SP2 was expected to appear before the end of 2003, but it appears the software giant has other plans.
The full report:
http://www.betanews.com/article.php3?sid=1060997150
The change in plans came to light by way of Microsoft's Product Lifecycle Web site, which details future support timelines for the company's products.
"Third quarter next year would put anywhere from 18 to 24 months between the first two service packs," Joe Wilcox, senior analyst for Jupiter Research, told BetaNews. "This is a much longer cycle than between Windows 2000 service pack releases."
The possible implications of the move are far reaching. A yearlong delay gives Microsoft significant time to further its integration strategy with Windows XP – building more components directly into the operating system.
"It's possible that Microsoft is preparing a more substantive-than-usual service pack that would add new features to Windows XP or hybrids Media Center and Tablet PC," said Wilcox.
The full report:
http://www.betanews.com/article.php3?sid=1060997150
0