Microsoft ® Windows ® XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies provides an enhanced security infrastructure that helps defend against viruses, worms, and hackers. It enables better manageability and control of security features for IT professionals and an improved experience for users. Installing Service Pack 2 helps protect computers, makes security easier to manage for administrators, and helps users remain productive. Windows XP Service Pack 2 provides your organization with an opportunity to update your customers’ desktop infrastructure.

Four key opportunities to consider include: • Windows XP Service Pack 2 application compatibility testing: As with all service packs, thorough testing against your customers’ applications is an essential first step. According to Gartner, “Although fewer than three percent of shrink-wrapped applications and fewer than five percent of custom applications will have problems with SP2 (0.7 probability), at least 30 percent of enterprises will have at least one application broken by SP2.” • Windows XP Service Pack 2 implementation: Installation and configuration of Service Pack 2 delivers crucial security enhancements that help prevent security issues. Many security features can now be centrally controlled, helping administrators to more easily manage the environment. • Microsoft Software Update Services implementation: Software Update Services enables administrators to centrally manage the deployment of Windows updates as part of a patch and update management strategy. • Microsoft Office Service Pack 1 implementation: Installation of Microsoft Office Service Pack 1 should happen simultaneously with installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2 to help take advantage of the new security features.