Business wary of SP2

Less than two weeks before Microsoft automatically rolls out XP Service Pack Two (SP2) fewer than a quarter of businesses have bothered to install it.

Of over 136,000 PCs in 251 corporations surveyed by asset management company AssetMetrix just 24 per cent had installed SP2 and 40 per cent of respondents had actively avoided upgrading. On April 12th those companies who subscribe to Microsoft's Automatic Update service will be sent the upgrade, something Microsoft postponed to allow time for compatibility testing.

"Microsoft allowed a significant period of time to accommodate companies' demand to test and validate Windows XP SP2 within their IT infrastructure," said Steve O'Halloran, managing director of AssetMetrix Research Labs.

"Based on our research, a substantial number of companies have yet to decide whether to accept or embargo Windows XP SP2. In general, we recommend that companies deploy Service Pack 2, and we recommend proper testing and verification before the April 12 deadline."

On April 12th the tool that Microsoft provided to block updates will be deactivated and PCs around the world will begin downloading the 266Mb upgrade. Only seven per cent of those questioned had installed the software.

Over half of respondents said they had no policy towards SP2, which may cause problems over time O?Halloran warned. Internet Explorer 7, due out this summer, requires SP2 to function and in September of next year Microsoft will stop supporting SP1.

Microsoft has set up a web site listing compatibility issues.