Yawn: Windows XP SP1
The public paid little attention to the release of SP 1, made available just hours before the anniversary of the terrorist attacks. The lack of publicity was surprising given the dramatic, four-year antitrust case that resulted in SP 1's development.
However, solution providers say they expect the release of SP 1 with bug fixes and security patches may stimulate corporate adoption of Windows XP.
Like the new options offered in Windows 2000 SP 3 last June, the Windows XP changes were required by the company's proposed consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice.
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PROS:
>> Contains more than 300 patches in a single package.
>> Simplified installation.
>> Useful for locations without high-speed Internet.
>> Solution providers can disable certain Windows XP apps.
CONS:
>> Huge space requirements (717 Mbytes to complete install).
>> Security and bug fixes already available from Microsoft.
>> CD, if needed, costs $10.
Windows XP SP 1 offers four new buttons in a dialog box that make it easier for OEMs and end users to configure the Windows XP desktop with the Internet add-ons of Microsoft competitors including America Online, Netscape and RealNetworks. From the Start menu, solution providers can access a "Set Program Access and Defaults" bar to select alternative online, browser and media player applications as well as competitive instant messenger and Java apps.
Major OEMs Hewlett-Packard and Dell Computer,both close to Microsoft,will preload the service pack on their PCs shortly but said they have no plans to exploit the OEM option to reconfigure the Windows desktop out of the box with non-Microsoft middleware.
Gateway, less of a Microsoft ally than the other two big OEMs, already bundles AOL, Netscape and other competitive apps with the desktop but said it won't use the new OEM option to make them default.
Most OEMs and solution providers say they will deploy SP 1 like any other service pack and stick with the Microsoft-endorsed Windows XP desktop. "Most people just want Microsoft applications, especially when they are free. It is much easier to standardize on Microsoft," said Rich Figer, vice president of sales at Cleveland-based S.B. Stone and Co.
Others are looking to OEMs to see how they reposition Windows XP with the new service pack. "Strictly speaking, a lot of the features put Microsoft in compliance with legal remedies as mandated by the settlement terms. There is little benefit to our clients," said Ken Winell, president and CEO of Econium, Totowa, N.J.