We would like to remind all customers that Mainstream support for SQL Server 2000 Service Pack 4 (SP4) and Mainstream support for SQL Server 2005 SP1 will both end on April 8, 2008 (see previous blog). Microsoft will continue technical support for these versions, which also includes security updates for these Service Packs. Microsoft is ending Mainstream support for these products as part of our Service Pack support policy, found http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle.
Customers are encouraged to prepare and execute on their upgrade and/or sustained engineering plans as early as possible for these SQL versions. Remaining current on your service pack installation ensures that your products remain supported per the Support Lifecycle policy. Additionally, your software benefits from the many enhancements, fixes, and security updates provided through the latest service pack.
Microsoft is offering Custom Support for companies that have not had a chance to migrate, but wish to maintain their existing IT environment while they migrate to a supported product. If you would like further information on Custom Support please contact your Technical Account Manager or Account Representative for additional details. Custom and/or extended support is currently offered for:
SQL Server 2000 SP3a
SQL Server 2000 SP4
SQL Server 2005 SP1
Below is a more detailed table listing versions in or close to end of the support cycle, together with possible options / actions. This table contains updates to table in previous support lifetimes blog.
Product
Version
SP
Mainstream Support End Date
Extended Support End Date
Options / Notes
SQL Server
2000
SP3a
01/07/2003
07/10/2007
See blog; Technical support ends as of 7/10/2007; options after this date:
ð Continue with self-help
ð Upgrade to SQL Server 2005 SP2
ð Custom support agreement
SP4
04/08/2008
04/09/2013
Technical support continues till 4/9/2013, yet mainstream (hotfix) support ends as of 4/8/2008; options for hotfix support after 4/8/2008:
ð Extended support agreement
2005
RTM (SP0)
Technical support ends as of 7/10/2007; options for technical and/or mainstream (hotfix) support after this date:
ð No custom or extended support offerings are planned at this time; customers should work with their TAMs for custom support needs.
SP1
Not Applicable
Technical support ends as of 4/8/2008; options for hotfix support after 4/8/2008:
SP2
Support ends either 12 or 24 months after the next service pack releases or at the end of the product's support lifecycle, whichever comes first. Visit the Lifecycle page to find the support timelines for your particular product.
SQL CE
2.0
01/08/2008
01/08/2013
Technical support continues till 1/8/2013, yet mainstream (hotfix) support ends as of 1/8/2008; options for hotfix support after 1/8/2008:
ð Upgrade to SQL CE 3.0 or SQLCE 3.1
Babak Ahmadi
SQL Server Sustained Engineering
Lead Program Manager