Why Should Organizations Deploy Windows Server 2003 SP1?

Why Should Organizations Deploy Windows Server 2003 SP1?

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  Enhanced security—SP1 dramatically reduces the attack surface of Windows Server 2003. Not only does it reactively address known security holes through updates, it equips customers with the tools they need to face future security threats proactively. By shifting security into a role-based paradigm, SP1 makes it easy for customers to run only the services they need, eliminating the unnecessary services that can become potential toeholds for hackers and malicious code. Moreover, role-based security eases the deployment of future updates, reducing the time it takes for IT professionals to prepare for attempted exploitation of newly discovered vulnerabilities.
  
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  Enhanced reliability—Security is at the heart of IT reliability: a system plagued by external attack is by definition not reliable for any who depend upon it. By protecting against past threats and anticipating future threats, SP1 increases the reliability of Windows Server 2003.
  
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  Enhanced productivity—Resources spent dealing with the aftermath of an attack or maintaining cumbersome security arrangements are resources siphoned away from the customer’s core business. SP1 addresses this intersection of security and productivity. By aggressively countering security threats, SP1 reduces organizations’ need to clean up after attacks; by simplifying and rationalizing update management, SP1 allows organizations to redirect resources from the security front to more appropriate use in their core businesses.