This has been communicated repeatedly through Account Manager and Premier channels, just wanted to use this forum to repeat one more time through the formal statement below:

Microsoft would like to remind customers that support for SQL Server 2000 Service Pack 3a (SP3a) will end on July 10, 2007.

Microsoft will end technical support on this date, which also includes security updates for this Service Pack.  Microsoft is ending support for this product as part of our Service Pack support policy, found http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle. 

Customers running SQL Server 2000 Service Pack 3a are encouraged to migrate to SQL Server 2000 Service Pack 4 or SQL Server 2005. 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 off of SQL Server 2000 SP3a, but wish to maintain a security-enhanced 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.

Microsoft's Support Lifecycle policy provides transparent, predictable coverage of Microsoft products and continues to set the standard for product support policies industry-wide. Details of the product support lifecycle are available on the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy website: http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle.

Matthias Berndt