Microsoft Rights Management Services (RMS) Service Pack 1 (SP1) beta is on the way. The new service pack will add to existing functionality by adding the ability to deploy RMS without a connection to the Internet and "without an operational dependency on an external entity such as Microsoft," enhanced authentication with support for smart cards; and the ability to apply rights based on dynamic groups in Active Directory (AD).

Microsoft said the service pack will be released to all customers in the first half of 2005. In the meantime customers who are interested in the SP1 beta program should contact rmssp1qa@microsoft.com.