Ziff Davis Internet
News & Resources for the IT Reseller
NewsReviewsTech AnalysisCommentarySecurityLinux/Unix
My Account |  

SP2 Preload Nets Mixed Reseller Reactions
By Wayne Rash


The announcement that Windows XP with SP2 (Service Pack 2) will be preloaded on computers when they’re delivered to customers is causing some concern in the reseller community. The concern isn’t about SP2’s importance. Rather, it’s about custom applications that reseller customers may want to run on those computers.

“I guess it’s really mandatory,” said Oliver Rist, president of FB2 Corp. in Lake Success, N.Y. FB2 is an integrator selling into the real estate management market that has custom applications for its customers. “It’s risky if you don’t test,” Rist said. He added that his company would be testing all of its applications on new platforms for SP2 compatibility.

ADVERTISEMENT

Eric Jans, systems engineer at CDW Corp. in Vernon Hills, Ill., agrees. “It could be good or bad,” Jans said. “If you’re not testing, it could be disastrous.”

Jans said it makes a big difference what kind of user would be buying the computers with SP2 preloaded. “For a smaller company just using Office, e-mail and Internet access,” he said, “it will work fine.”

Jans is worried about larger customers, however.

“When you get to custom apps, that’s where you run into problems,” he said. Jans said he worries that some customers with custom applications might try to deploy their new computers without first testing to make sure everything works. He said that’s a bad idea and added, “We’ve all heard the stories.”

Despite the potential for problems with custom software, both Rist and Jans said they think SP2 is necessary. “It’s probably mandatory,” Rist said, pointing out that the increased security and improved support will make things easier for customers in the long run.

“It’s less work down the line,” Rist said, adding that the other choices aren’t good. “Either you do it in a roll-up like this, or you’ll do it later manually,” he said.

eWEEK.com Special Report: Windows XP Service Pack 2

Rist also said companies with well-designed, well-managed networks probably don’t have a lot to worry about. “If you’re running a tight network ship, then it should be OK.” Rist said that as long as a company’s network is fairly homogeneous, there should be few surprises.

Jans echoed Rist’s comments. “Once this gets out there and everybody gets used to it, you won’t hear anything more about SP2,” he said.

PointerMicrosoft has changed its tune on porting SP2 fixes. Click here to read more.

Jans went on to say that the biggest challenge for companies is learning how to turn new features on or off so that their needs are met. Rist, for example, said his company is turning off the built-in Windows firewall and instead using Sygate or ZoneAlarm firewalls because of their superior security features.

Overall, however, both Rist and Jans said they see the SP2 move in a positive light. Despite the fact that there could be problems, Rist said he thinks companies making custom software will have to accommodate SP2. Jans agrees and thinks companies will get used to it. “It’s a good update for Microsoft,” Jans said.

PointerCheck out eWEEK.com’s Windows Center at http://windows.eweek.com for Microsoft and Windows news, views and analysis.

horizontal rule

Be sure to add our eWEEK.com Windows news feed to your RSS newsreader or My Yahoo page

     
Email


TALKBACK

MICROSOFT RESOURCE CENTER
Free Hands-On Training Lab
Find out how key features of SBS 2003 can help you open up a new line of revenue. Register now >>


SBS 2003 Sales Reference Card
This handy reference card contains features at a glance, sales objection handling, pricing guidelines & more. Get it now >>


Microsoft Empower for ISVs rewards your big idea with big benefits and support.
Access key development tools at a low cost to help you develop that idea into an innovative application. Learn more >>




 
FREE WHITE PAPER
Changing Business for the Better: A Practical Guide to BPM


This paper provides an overview of the benefits of BPM technologies and identifies the characteristics of BPM solutions that lead to successful BPM process-centric integration projects.


Download this free white paper to learn more!


>> brought to you by IBM

Attention Microsoft Solution Providers!



Want to gain a competitive edge? Try Microsoft Watch – FREE!



Each week you receive:
  • Microsoft News and Insider Information
  • Expert Analysis
  • Code Names of Upcoming MS Products
  • Year-Ahead Calendar, updated monthly



    Click Here to sign up now for your FREE 14 Day Trial to Microsoft Watch.
  •  
  • Add up to $1,200 of value with the new BONUS PACKS.
  • HP PartnerONE: The key to increasing your margins.
  • HP Compaq nc6129 Business Notebook. $1149 Smart Buy
  • HP xw8200 workstation. Smart Buy price $1549.
  • ProLiant DL360G4p server: HP Smart Buy price $1647
  • Microsoft files new anti-piracy lawsuits. Learn more.
  • New offers with Windows Genuine Advantage.


  • POPULAR TOPICS
    CHANNEL INSIDER BUYER’S GUIDE
    •Catalog Publishing
    •Dealer Management
    •Order Configuration
    •Price Management
    •Sales Management

    View All >

    CAREER CENTER
    Search the jobs you want & get the info you need – post your resume here today!

    Powered by Dice
    SPECIAL REPORTS
    White Boxes
    MS vs. IBM
    Linux in the Channel
    Network
    CHANNEL RSS FEED
    Stay in the Zone
    Put The Channel Insider on your desktop.
    FREE NEWSLETTERS
    Subscribe to The Channel Insider: Channel News, Reviews, Resources and more.

    Make your selections below:


    Contract Watch

    The Channel Insider Update

    Preferred e-mail format:

    Enter your e-mail:


    view all newsletters >>
    Channel Insider Quick Links
    Ziff Davis Footer Logo