Download Availabilty of Windows XP SP3 for MSDN/TechNet Subscribers MAY Bring Forward Earlier

Windows XP SP3 (Service Pack 3) has been announced to be released to manufacturing by Chris Keroack on TechNet forum. And Microsoft subsequently published a detailed Windows XP SP3 release schedule timeline by channel, which showing that availability of service pack download installer for privileged MSDN and TechNet subscribers is scheduled on May 2, 2008, later than general public release via Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center on April 29, 2008.

As expected, the plan drew sharp criticisms and angry responses from MSDN and TechNet paid subscribers, who feel that it’s unfair to them who is paying hefty subscription fees to Microsoft for the privilege to access Microsoft products. More is asking why there is the delay in getting the XP SP3 standalone installer package ready for the subscribers and the strategy or rational behind it, while system administrators from corporations concern about whether they will have a chance to test the service pack on their network environment before rolling out the update.

Now, the blog post which announced the release schedule of Windows XP SP3 by distribution channel has been taken down. There is possibility that availability of Windows XP SP3 for free download on MSDN and TechNet sites may be brought forward and earlier, in a revised release schedule to be published again.

Note: This has been confirmed, MSDN/TechNet now gets the Windows XP SP3 downloads.