Microsoft has cancelled the long-awaited Service Pack 5 for Windows 2000, which it had said would contain important security updates.
Windows 2000 SP5 would have brought the platform more in line with features in Windows XP. However, the software giant now says customers will find it easier to install a forthcoming security bundle instead.
The bundle is expected to include many security-related updates touted for SP5, but could require firms to separately download and install some updated Windows components.
Robert Horton of security research firm NGS said Microsoft is trying to move users to Windows XP SP2. "From a security view [XP SP2] is much stronger," he said, citing its automated update mechanisms and firewall. Security holes in Windows 2000 will still be fixed when found, he added.
