Microsoft is set to boost the security and productivity of businesses with another upgrade to its Windows XP operating system.

According to bloggers who have experimented with the pre-release beta version of the Service Pack 3 (SP3) software, there are significant benefits to be gained by installing it.

The NeoSmart Files blog reported that some of the most popular features from XP's successor Vista have been included in the new update, while some 114 security fixes will improve network and computer protections.

Large numbers of IT support departments have delayed the switch to Microsoft Vista due to the cost of upgrading and a desire to wait for any teething troubles to be ironed out of the operating system first.

And according to the EXO Performance Network, this new service pack upgrade for XP may prolong the lifespan of the aging operating system even further.

"XP SP3 is shaping-up to be a 'must have' update for the majority of users who are still running Redmond's not-so-latest and greatest desktop OS," the technology research network reported.