Windows Server SP2 slips out

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 14 March 2007 13:26

Business IT - Technology

After a prolonged gestation, Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 has been delivered with little warning.

Headline features include bug fixes, Microsoft Management Console 3.0, and improved performance for SQL 2005 and Windows vietualisation.

SP2 also includes Windows Deployment Services as a replacement for Remote Installation Services, allowing network-based installation on new computers without requiring physical access to the hardware.

Network changes include simplified creation and maintenance of IP security policies, support for WPA2 for greater wireless security, and improved network performance.

A new XML parser called XmlLite is both small and fast according to Microsoft.

The company warns that certain migrations between Windows Server 2003 versions (eg, from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Small Business Server 2003) cannot be performed while SP2 is installed. Administrators must either hold off the installation of the service pack, or temporarily remove it during the migration.

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 is available via Microsoft's web site or through Windows Update. It will be included in Automatic Updates in three months time, but Microsoft offers administrators a tool to prevent automatic delivery until March 13, 2008.