We had five MS Server 2,000 systems built by a Microsoft Gold partner in March 2002 with service pack 2 installed. My understanding of the new life cycle policy is that Microsoft will not cover these systems after 6 January 2003 unless we install service pack 3. I would not critisise the gold partner for not installing an unproven service pack on a mission critical system. I do take umbridge at the gall of microsoft if they think they will get away with only overing 9 months support to our systems. In short not all companies are keen to install newly launched Microsoft products or services packs on mission critical systems. Is the penalty for wisely waiting to see if the product is stable a reduced support life cycle? If the manufacturer of a HI FI system limited it’s gaurantee period to 1 year after the product left the factory gates would we think that was good news?