ANTenna Blog -- Hardware & Software

Microsoft says it will distribute a new version of Service Pack 3 for Windows XP through its Automatic Update service "shortly," and launch Windows Small Business Server 2008 on November 12.

According to InformationWeek, the XP Service Pack 3 announcement is apparently intended so that IT administrators who want to prevent its automatic installation can download and deploy the Windows Service Pack Blocker Kit or otherwise employ update-management software to control the automatic updates. The last release of XP SP3 PO'd many IT folks who found that it messed with their company's computers.

The new releases of Windows Essential Business Server 2008 -- aimed at midsize comapnies -- and Windows Small Business Server 2008 are a much bigger deal.

According to InformationWeek:

Windows Small Business Server 2008 is a scaled-down version of Windows Server 2008, which is the server OS counterpart to the Windows Vista desktop operating system. The standard edition comes with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Windows Live OneCare for Server, and other utilities.

Windows Essential Business Server 2008, which Microsoft developed under the code name Centro, is designed for mid-sized businesses with more sophisticated IT needs, and offers a range of additional messaging, management, and security tools.

The company also said Dell and Wortmann AG will sell servers running the OSes, and that release candidates for both products are available for download at MultiplyYourPower.com.

Revealed in May, pricing for Windows Small Business Server 2008 starts at $1,089 (an increase from the previous version) while Windows Essential Business Server 2008 starts at $5,472.