Consultancy firm Gartner has advised companies to be wary of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). They cite issues of incompatibility with other applications.

Microsoft, not surprisingly, espouses the opposite view. They insist SP2 is an essential upgrade. Concentrating heavily in the security arena, SP2 closes many vulnerabilities.

Up to 80% of SP2 is security related. Whilst the improved security aspect has to be welcomed, Gartner advise intensive testing takes place.

The crux is the complexity of SP2. Hundreds of applications would have to be tested for compatibility with the upgraded operating system.