Still, Microsoft said the Windows Firewall will be enabled in new installations to ensure that the computer is protected from network attacks while being set up and configured.
To limit compatibility problems, Microsoft tested more than 125 commonly used server applications against SP1 and ran into only a few issues that have been fixed, DiStasio said. The list of compatibility issue and fixes will be posted on the software giant's Web site, he added.
Microsoft also implemented a feature called post setup security updates to protect the server from risk of infection between the time of its installation and the download of its first security updates from the Windows site.
This is the second release of the Windows Server 2003 that complies with Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing Initiative and SP1 integrates a variety of other security features, some of which have existed previously in various incarnations. The server, for example, implements a client VPN quarantine tool that was previous offered in a separate toolset.
The release of Windows Server 2003 SP1 comes just two weeks before Microsoft is expected to remove a blocking tool for its update site that prevents Windows XP SP2 from being automatically downloaded to corporate sites. The tool was implemented late last year in order to give administrators additional time to download fixes to address incompatibilities and ensure a more smooth deployment of the Windows XP SP2.
SP1 is avalable for download immediately. The media will be avalable in two to four weeks from Microsoft and the code will be slipstreamed into the Windows Server 2003 core code within six weeks, DiStasio said, adding that he thought most customers would likely download the update from Microsoft's site.
Some expect the release of SP1, like any first update to a major release, will accelerate customer adoption to the Windows Server 2003 server from earlier versions of the Windows Server, NT and Windows 2000. But not all expect it will be flying off the Web, or shelves immediately.
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