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"Microsoft is readying updates to its programming tools that will be released in tandem with Windows XP Service Pack 2, a security-oriented release of Windows due later this year."

"The company is building service packs for its Visual Studio.Net 2003 development tool and the .Net Framework--the software plumbing, or "runtime," needed to run Web services applications on Windows, a Microsoft executive told CNET News.com. The changes, which are designed to guide developers on how to use the latest security features, are slated for release around the middle of the year, which is when Microsoft plans to ship Windows XP Service Pack 2.

"We're going to aim to have the release of (Windows XP Service Pack 2 and the tools service packs) as close as possible. Ideally, they'll come out together," said Tony Goodhew, product manager in Microsoft's developer edition.

The tools service packs will help developers determine whether existing applications need changes to run on the upcoming update to Windows XP. It is also meant to encourage developers to exploit the planned security features, Goodhew said.

In conjunction with the updated tools, Microsoft is offering free Web-based training and documentation on its developer Web site, which describes the implications for developers of the security changes due in Windows XP Service Pack 2. This is the first time the company has offered free training around a service pack, the company said."

Full article: c|net News