London, UK - 25 August 2004, 17:00 GMT - As of today, Personal Computers (PCs) running Windows XP Home and Professional editions will be able to get the auto-update Service Pack 2 (SP2). The update is deemed necessary because it provides more protection against malware and makes it easier to manage security issues. However, doubts in the minds of CIOs in regard to the disruptive capabilities of SP2 vis-a-vis clashes with older software applications persist. Corporate and institutional policies implemented as a result of those doubts are likely to create a culture of SP2 "Haves and Have Nots" with very high digital risk exposure profiles and damaging fall out should there be a major global malware outbreak in the interim.

[ENDS]

Full details of the July 2004 report are available as of 1st August 2004 and can be ordered from here. (To view contents sample please click here).

If you are already a member of the Inner Sanctum you should have been emailed a full copy.