Following Windows XP Service Pack 2 released in August 2004, Microsoft finallz releases the long waited Windows XP SP3 which includes all previously released Windows XP updates, including security updates and hotfixes, and select out-of-band releases.

Microsoft is not adding significant Windows Vista functionality to Windows XP through SP3. However, SP3 does include Network Access Protection (NAP) to help organizations that use Windows XP to take advantage of new features in the Windows Server® 2008 operating system. Further, Windows XP SP3 does not include Windows Internet Explorer 7

Previously Released Functionality

• MMC 3.0
• MSXML6
• Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1
• Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) 2.5
• IPsec Simple Policy Update for Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP
• Digital Identity Management Service (DIMS) DIMS makes it possible for users who log on to any domain-joined computer to silently access all of their certificates and private keys for applications and services. Peer Name
• Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP) 2.1
• Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)

New and Enhanced Functionality

• “Black Hole” Router Detection
• Network Access Protection (NAP)
• Descriptive Security Options User Interface
• Enhanced security for Administrator and Service policy entries
• Microsoft Kernel Mode Cryptographic Module
• Windows Product Activation

All details on Windows SP3 page

The 320 MB Windows XP SP3 is available for download here

Last week Lenovo (certainly among others) announced to its customers that owners of "qualified systems" can, if they wish, downgrade their Vista O/S to Windows XP. The offer is valid till 31st of July 2008.

Now, Microsoft announces that Windows XP operating system will remain available for sales to OEM and retail till June 2008, which is five month more than previously announced. System builder partners will be able to offer Windows XP until end of January 2009.

Windows XP Starter Edition in emerging markets where it is currently available for the rapidly growing class of hardware-constrained ultra-low cost PCs until June 30, 2010.

Long waited Microsoft Vista SP1 has not been yet officially announced and its release is not expected before 2008.

It is impressive to see the quantity of bad news that reached Microsoft's headquarters this week.

Motivation may not be at its highest level in Redmond.

• Only 60 millions licenses (sic!) of Windows Vista have been sold. It is rather low considering that includes OEM and Corporate agreements (companies getting Vista licenses as part of their contract, but with no short-term plan to deploy it).

• Yahoo announced the acquisition of Zimbra, an open source server and client software for messaging and collaboration (email, group calendaring, contacts, and web document management and authoring).
• Google welcomed "Presentation", a new addition to the Google Docs & Spreadsheets family which has now all elements to compete with MS Office.
• IBM released the beta version of Symphony, a web-based open source office suite, based on the open document format (ODF).
• International Standard Organization (ISO) rejected Microsoft Office 2007 file format, called Office Open XML (OOXML), to be recognized as an ISO standard. Critics said the format was flawed and laden with MS-specific features.
• SCO group, a Microsoft ally to seize parts of the Linux market, took step of filing for Chapter 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Last but not least

Microsoft lost its appeal before the European Court of First Instance regarding 2004 European Commission act that found MS abusing of its near-monopoly position. Final  Microsoft's bill in fines (689 millon USD) and penalties could reach about 2.8 billions USD.

Don't worry Bill, on Monday starts another week!