FYI…

- http://www.techweb.com/article/printableAr…_section=700027
October 19, 2006
"Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3), the next significant update to the operating system, now won't appear until the first half of 2008, Microsoft quietly revealed this week. In January, Microsoft had promised SP3 in the last half of 2007. Although Microsoft gave no reason for the delay in its revised Windows Service Pack Road Map, which was updated Tuesday, it effectively pushed back SP3 by at least six months. SP3 for both the Home and Professional editions of Windows XP is now scheduled to release in the first half of 2008. Windows XP's last service pack, SP2, launched in August 2004. The new schedule means that Microsoft could drop support for Windows XP within months of SP3's release. According to its published support commitments, Microsoft has promised to maintain Windows XP for two years after the release of Windows Vista. If Vista debuts on time in January 2007 and Windows XP SP3 doesn't appear until June 2008, the latter would age out in January 2009, seven months after it was unveiled…"

- http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycle/servicepacks.mspx
Last Updated: October 17, 2006
"…
SP3 for Windows XP Home Edition is currently planned for 1H CY2008. This date is preliminary…
SP3 for Windows XP Professional is currently planned for 1H CY2008. This date is preliminary…"

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