Stay Current
Keeping Your SQL Server Installations Up to Date
On This Page
 | Security |
| Service Packs |
| Real-Time Support |
| Upgrading Prior Versions |
| Future Versions |
Some customers never touch their SQL Server software after deploying a business application, other than for routine maintenance of their databases. However, by keeping your systems up-to-date with the latest release and update status, you can have confidence that your software is current with known issues that may affect data reliability or security. New releases of SQL Server may also provide functionality that improves your application performance or functionality, and some customers choose to upgrade regularly to take advantage of these benefits. This page highlights the many options available for you to stay current with SQL Server.
Security
Microsoft is committed to being the industry leader in the development of trustworthy software. Through the Security and Privacy resource center, we provide guidelines for securing your networks and applications, offer resources for expanding your knowledge of security practices, and discuss issues that may affect the integrity of your systems—including updates for known vulnerabilities reported by users or discovered through ongoing testing. All licensed SQL Server customers are entitled to free updates for security vulnerabilities during the normal lifetime of the product. To request notification for new bulletins and updates, subscribe to the free Security Notification Service.
Service Packs
After products are released, Microsoft releases a consolidation of updates, or service pack, for issues reported by customers or discovered through ongoing testing. These service packs are released on a regular basis, about once every six to 12 months. All licensed SQL Server customers are entitled to download and install these service packs at no additional charge. CD-ROM versions of service packs are also generally available for a nominal fee.
Real-Time Support
Customers with critical problems can request hotfix maintenance of SQL Server during the initial five years after a product is released at no cost. For an additional fee, this support period can be extended an additional two years, during which time hotfixes can be requested but customers will be billed to offset development costs. To take advantage of extended hotfix support, customers will need to execute an extended hotfix support contract within 90 days following the expiration of the initial five-year support period.
To learn more about the product support life cycle, visit the Microsoft Product Support Services site.
Upgrading Prior Versions
Microsoft provides a number of resources to assist customers upgrading prior versions of SQL Server. For detailed information on upgrading SQL Server version 6.5, SQL Server version 7.0, or SQL Server 2000 to SQL Server 2005—including upgrade planning, backward compatibility, using the upgrade tools, and basic troubleshooting—read the Upgrading to SQL Server 2005 page. Customers unfamiliar with the current features available in SQL Server 2005 should consult the Top 30 Features of SQL Server page.
Future Versions
Volume licensing customers who want ongoing and immediate access to new versions of SQL Server should consider Software Assurance (SA). Under the SA program, customers acquire the right to install any new release of products covered in the SA agreement during the term of their coverage. With maintenance costs determined at the time of purchase, SA provides a predictable, comprehensive program for controlling your long-term software costs. For additional information, please see the Software Assurance Overview page.