Windows Client Overview

The first Vista service pack is reportedly planned for late 2007. Among other plans, Windows Vista SP1 will include changes to Kernel Patch Protection for developers of antivirus software and other low-level utilities. SP1 might also synchronize the code bases of Windows Vista and the planned Windows Server Longhorn to simplify maintenance (enabling a single service pack to apply to both products, for example). However, Microsoft has not announced a date or feature set for Vista SP1.

Microsoft has issued Windows Server updates (labeled Feature Packs for Vista in the diagram) to support Windows Vista deployment. These include an update to Windows Deployment Services, which ships with the Business Desktop Deployment Accelerator, a package of tools and documentation for OS and desktop application deployment. Also available is a package of Active Directory schema updates for Vista features such as BitLocker encryption.

Following Vista SP1, a service pack for Windows XP is planned for the first half of 2008. In addition to a tested collection of bug and security fixes, Windows XP SP3 will also probably deliver features such as the .NET Framework 3.0, Internet Explorer 7, and the Windows Desktop Search engine that will ship with Windows Vista but require separate installs on Windows XP.