Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 Automatic Updates could cause IT continuity problems Microsoft released Windows Server 2003 SP1 earlier this year to provide enhanced security for its enterprise customers. SP1 adds new features such as the ability to intuitively guide administrators through the server configuration process, block all incoming traffic to newly installed servers until the latest patches are applied, and enable the Windows Firewall. In certain situations, IT infrastructures where the patch has already been rolled out for its security benefits have reported conflicts between SP1 and some key Microsoft and third-party applications already deployed in the enterprise. In these instances some Windows Server 2003 systems are rendered unbootable or unstable because of the application incompatibility. Currently Microsoft does not provide an undo option in the event of compatibility conflicts. According to Gartner, a key cause of server downtime with Windows is the increasing frequency of required software patches, especially security-related patches.
•Date: 21st July 2005 • Region: World • Type:
Article •Topic: IT continuity |
