Microsoft is aligning all the Service Pack 3 releases for the various Windows XP versions it continues to support in terms of what the refreshes will bring. In this context, having made available the SP3 gold bits for the Windows XP client, the Redmond giant has moved forward and is now cooking the third service pack for the embedded version of Windows XP. Windows XP Embedded SP3 is developed in parallel with the successor of XPe, namely Windows Embedded Standard 2009, which is due in the forth quarter of 2008.

“Microsoft Windows XP Embedded Service Pack 3 (SP3) is a roll-up of hot-fixes and security updates MS has released since the release to manufacturing (RTM) of SP2. It includes select out-of-band releases, and a small number of new enhancements, which do not significantly change the customers’ experience with the operating system. The SP3 update for XP Embedded is on par with the XP Pro SP3 update with regard to the roll-up and inclusion of out-of-band releases,” revealed Gina Bentley, Servicing and Support Program Manager for Microsoft's Vertical Industries and Embedded Windows (VIEW) group.

In this context, it appears that there is little to no difference between the third service packs for the client and embedded versions of Windows XP. And even though Microsoft has already pointed toward the end of 2008 for the availability of Windows Embedded Standard 2009, the company has been reluctant to disclose the delivery deadline for XPe SP3. “There have been no announcements regarding a release date for XP Embedded Service Pack 3,” Bentley added.

Microsoft is currently offering Community Technology Previews of both Windows Embedded Standard 2009 and Windows XP Embedded SP3 for download via Microsoft Connect. “XPe mainstream support will end 2 years after Windows Embedded Standard is released and will be followed by 5 years extended support,” explained Luca Amapane, Program Manager on the Windows Embedded Standard team.