SQL Server Support Updates
SQL Server Support
Manage your IT investment and plan for the future by understanding the product support lifecycle. Being aware of your support milestones can help you ensure you have the right level of support and the right version of SQL for your business.
Learn what is happening with both SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2005, explore your options, and get the resources you need to help you upgrade.
SQL Server Support Information
What's Happening
On April 9, 2013, Extended Support for SQL Server 2000 will come to an end, and SQL Server 2000 will no longer be supported. At this time:
- Self-Help Online Support will be available for a minimum of 12 months. Example: Microsoft online Knowledge Base articles, FAQs, troubleshooting tools, and other resources, that help customers resolve common issues.
- Updates to this software will stop and customers will no longer receive patches, including security updates.
Learn more about the Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
What Are Your Options
- 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).
Resources to Help You Decide
Contact your
Microsoft Technical Account Manger about a Custom Support Agreement (CSA). (CSAs are only available for Premier Support customers)
Learn more about what version of SQL Server is right for you:
Access technical resources:
SQL Server Support Information
What's Happening
On April 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.
Learn more about the Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
What Are Your Options
- 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
Resources to Help You Decide
Learn more about what version of SQL Server is right for you:
Access technical resources:
Microsoft Support Lifecycle
By understanding the product support available, you’re better able to maximize the management of your IT investments and strategically plan for a successful IT future.
Microsoft offers a minimum of 10 years of support for SQL Server products. Mainstream Support is provided for 5 years, or for 2 years after the successor product is released, whichever is longer. Microsoft also provides Extended Support for the 5 years following Mainstream support, or for 2 years after the second successor product is released, whichever is longer. And you receive at least 10 years of online self-help support.
