Final answer:
To prevent future issues with server-based applications after service pack upgrades, establish a practice of regular server backups and have a rollback plan. Avoid indefinitely delaying updates or relying solely on automatic updates without testing.
Step-by-step explanation:
When upgrading server systems to the most current service pack level, it's crucial to have a strategy in place to prevent issues with server-based applications that users might experience post-upgrade. The recommended practice to prevent such issues in the future would be to establish a protocol for regular server backups. Backups ensure that if an update causes issues, there is a fallback option to restore the system to its previous, stable state. Another solution could be to have a plan for a rollback to the previous service pack if the new update proves to be incompatible with the applications being used, although this is reactive rather than preventative. It is not advisable to delay server updates indefinitely as this could lead to security and compliance issues, nor to implement automatic updates without proper testing, as this could cause unexpected disruptions.