Important support changes for SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2005
There are some important support changes coming up for Microsoft SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2005. We want to make sure you know what’s happening so you can avoid the risk of running unsupported products and choose the right version of SQL Server for your business.
What is happening:
SQL Server 2000
On 4/9/2013, Extended Support for SQL Server 2000 will come to an end, and SQL Server 2000 will no longer be supported.
After this date:
· Updates to this software will stop and so you will no longer receive patches including security updates.
· Self-Help Online Support will be available for a minimum of 12 months.
SQL Server 2005
On 4/12/2011, SQL Server 2005 will transition from Mainstream Support to Extended Support, which includes:
· Paid support (charged on an hourly basis per incident). Customers will no longer receive no-charge incident support and warranty claims, and won’t be able to request design changes or features.
· Security update support at no additional cost.
· Non-security related hotfix support will require a separate Extended Hotfix Support Agreement to be purchased within 90 days of the end of Mainstream Support – July 11th, 2011.
Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy
The Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy took effect in October 2002, and applies to most products currently available through retail purchase or volume licensing and most future release products.
Through the policy, Microsoft will offer a minimum of:
· 10 years of support (5 years Mainstream Support and 5 years Extended Support) at the supported service pack level for Business and Developer products
· 5 years Mainstream Support at the supported service pack level for Consumer/Hardware/Multimedia products
· 3 years of Mainstream Support for products that are annually released (for example, Money, Encarta, Picture It!, and Streets & Trips)
Phases of the Support Lifecycle
Your options in moving forward:
SQL Server 2000
· Upgrade to a supported version of SQL Server.
· Find out more about a Custom Support Agreement (CSA).
· Run SQL Server 2000 unsupported with access to Self-Help Online Support only (not recommended)
SQL Server 2005
· Remain on SQL Server 2005 with Extended Support. You can still open support incidents and receive support, however you will not be able to request specific fixes.
· Remain on SQL Server 2005 with Extended Support and purchase Extended Hotfix Support. You can then open support incidents and request specific fixes.
· Upgrade to a supported version of SQL Server
Get more details on how to stay supported along with other important resources at: http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/en/us/support/support-updates.aspx
