In the past Microsoft has used Service Packs to fix bugs and to introduce new features. Lately Microsoft has been including new a better security features. This can already be seen in Windows XP SP2 beta, but SP1 for Windows Server 2003 offers some great stuff too. Windows Server 2003 SP1 offers something called "server roles". To find out more about server roles check out the article below.
Microsoft is working on a set of security upgrades for Windows Server 2003 that executives said will deliver on the company's promise to make its products more secure by default and give enterprises more options for locking down servers. The security capabilities for the company's flagship server operating system are due to be included in Service Pack 1, which is scheduled for release late this year.
Microsoft Corp. historically has used service packs to fix minor bugs and introduce new features. But as the company's focus on security has become more pervasive throughout the development process, Microsoft has begun using the updates to integrate more security capabilities. The biggest addition due in SP1 is a technology called server roles that can automatically set up security procedures based on server use. With templates that define settings for servers, Windows will be able to lock down Web, mail and FTP servers and other boxes, said officials.
News source: eWeek
