Microsoft has issued a warning to its software users after it was revealed that an update to its Exchange Server 2007 creates potential instability and problems for IT support.

It noted that the revision was a pre-release version of the update which was wrongly posted on the Microsoft Update and Windows Software Update services online, which in turn caused a raft of problems with IT personnel and administrators.

A developer for Microsoft Exchange, Scott Roberts, offered his apologies for the inconvenience the company's release had caused and that his team were making sure that it did not happen again.

He added: "While at this time we are not aware of many customers being affected by this, we wanted to let you know in case you are currently testing what you downloaded two days ago."

It was rumoured by the Sun yesterday that Microsoft were potential suitors to the ownership of Newcastle United after current owner Mike Ashley put the club up for sale.

According to a recent survey by Connect, the two biggest IT headaches for businesses were 'everyday hassles with IT' (37 per cent) and 'security concerns' (32 per cent) In a recent survey of SMEs for Connect, the two most important benefits of outsourcing were 'guaranteed response times' and 'allowing in-house IT staff to concentrate on more strategic issues'