Faithful Windows users waiting for the release of Windows XP 64-bit Edition and Windows 2003 64-bit edition will have to wait some more. This comes as yet another delay from the software giant Microsoft today. The reason behind this delay is so Microsoft can thoroughly test Windows XP Service Pack 2 with its 64-bit versions. While this delay is bad for Microsoft its great news for Linux.
Microsoft has further delayed releasing its versions of Windows for PCs and servers equipped with x86 processors with 64-bit extensions. Analysts say the extra delay will slow the advent of 64-bit desktop computing and provide a head start for rival operating systems on servers.
Windows XP 64-bit Edition for 64-bit Extended Systems and Windows Server 2003 for 64-bit Extended Systems now will not be available until the first half of 2005, a Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed. The 64-bit Windows XP client was originally due in early 2004 but had already been delayed; the server software was scheduled for late 2004.
Also, Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Windows Server 2003 won"t be out until the first half of next year, the spokesperson says. The service pack compiles updates and provides new security enhancements. It was originally due out in the first half of 2004. Its release and the 64-bit Windows releases have been tied together for development reasons.