Is Microsoft artificially delaying XP SP3?

It’s a valid question. Last week, virtually anyone who was anyone within the SP3 Beta community thought that the release of Service Pack 3 for Windows XP was imminent. InfoWorld even commissioned a lead-out news item on the subject (penned by yours truly) of SP3’s arrival.

Now we learn that SP3 has been delayed once again, this time until late April. Up to now, things has been going swimmingly for SP3, with recent builds showing RTM-levels of polish. Then, all of a sudden it’s “not ready.” No explanation for the delay – just a “failure to launch” when everyone expected it to.

In the meantime, Microsoft is talking-up Vista SP1 in a big way. There are all sorts of quasi-marketing collateral pieces floating around about SP1’s impact, how to deploy it, key new features/functions, etc. Microsoft is even offering toll-free installation support for anyone having trouble with the update. Basically, they’re pulling out all the stops to make Vista SP1 a success.

To recap: Microsoft delays Windows XP SP3 without explaining why, then puts on a full court press to promote Vista SP1. It doesn’t take a genius to see what they’re doing here. They’ve decided to “save Vista’s bacon” (delaying XP SP3 might prompt some fence-sitters to take the Vista plunge) at the expense of XP getting a much needed roll-up of critical fixes and patches – great if you’re a Vista fan, not so hot if you’re an XP shop waiting on the first real Service Pack in nearly 4 years.

In fact, you could say that Microsoft has shown its true colors with its handling of SP3. By delaying the update’s release, company executives have made it clear that they’re willing to screw-over even their most loyal customers if it helps Microsoft salvage a flagging product.

Note to IT: All those years of dedication to Windows and enthusiasm for the Microsoft brand mean nothing. This company will drop you in a heart-beat if it serves to further its agenda.

I guess I picked a good week to explore my *nix options…