Apparently Microsoft a preparing to release another service pack for Windows Vista. Neowin.net reports that Redmond is sending out a heads up to beta testers that Microsoft Windows Vista SP2 beta 1 is due for release sometime within the next month and is actively soliciting them to sign up. If so, this will be the second service pack prepared for release this year.
The latest service pack will allegedly include all the recent updates and bug fixes for Vista as well as support for Bluetooth and the VIA 64-bit CPU. The official statement from Microsoft is available in KB948465 .
It isn’t really unusual for Microsoft to release two service packs so close together. Remember the early days of Windows NT 4? It has just been awhile since they were on top of things like this. I guess we have become so accustomed to delays and heel dragging when it comes to major product releases and updates that some of us are actually surprised when Microsoft picks up the pace. It’s about time, too.
Vista was launched way behind schedule and stripped of many key features initially promised simply because Microsoft ran out of time to fully develop them and meet their latest deadline, which had already been pushed back several times. It is my belief this is the prime reason for Vista’s troubles at its release; it simply wasn’t ready for launch, and it showed.
This is why I call Vista “The New Millenium”. The look and feel of Windows Me was that of an operating system that was thrown together just so Microsoft could have something out there while it was wrapping up Windows XP. As soon as Windows XP was launched, Millenium was given a quiet sweep under the rug.
I am not saying that Vista will suffer the same fate, at least not to the extent of Millenium. Obviously Microsoft is fully supporting the product as evidenced by the release of SP2, which is two service packs more than it supported Millenium. This is likely because Microsoft invested a lot more in the development of Vista than it did with the Forgotten One.
However, it is becoming clear that Vista’s days are numbered. Microsoft is hastening release of Windows 7 and Windows XP has been given yet another reprieve. To keep a nine year old operating system alive while prepping one two generations after it is a bit unusual and indicates their lack of confidence in Vista to carry the torch until the next release. The latest operating system may be getting a second new service pack, but I get the strange feeling that as soon as Windows 7 is launched, Vista will be riding into the sunset, never to be seen or heard from again.
