SQL Server 2000 SP4 and Reporting Services SP2 beta accepts self nominations

Since not everything we are doing is focusing on SQL Server 2005, it is my pleasure to point you to the SQL Server 2000 SP4 (and RS SP2) beta self-nomination page at https://www.microsoft.com/sql/evaluation/betanominations.asp. SP4 is available both for 32-bit SQL Server 2000 and 64-bit SQL Server (note that in the later case it is really SP1, but we decided to merge them).

From an XML perspective, the following observations are relevant:

  1. OpenXML will be using MSXML 3.0SP6 in the 32-bit version. This should give you some small perf improvements over MSXML 2.6 in some path expressions. It should be backwards-compatible (we know of one case where it is not that we will fix for SP4 RTM) and will obviously address the SP3/3a issue of not having MSXML included.
  2. For some MSDE installations on Windows 2003 Server, you will need to manually install MSXML 3.0SP6. This was discovered too late for SP4 Beta, but should get fixed for RTM. Information about how to install should be available on the Beta website.
  3. SP4 still ships with the orgininal SQLXML client/mid-tier component. You need to download SQLXML 3.0 (SP3 as of this writing) if you want to make use of the added functionality.

Here is the official announcement:

Microsoft SQL Server 2000 SP4 and Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Reporting Services SP2 are open for Public Beta Testing

Our latest service packs for Microsoft SQL Server and Reporting Services are now available for public beta testing.

SQL Server 2000 Service Pack 4

SQL Server 2000 Service Pack 4 (SP4) includes a roll-up of bug fixes, added platform support for AMD64, and Intel Extended Platforms in WOW so you can use 32-bit applications on 64-bit architectures. This is the first service pack to service the 64-bit release of SQL Server. SP4 is suitable for all SQL Server 2000 customers who want to update their existing installations to incorporate all changes since SP3a. In particular, customers who want to use their 32-bit applications on 64-bit hardware should consider the SQL Server 2000 SP4 beta.

Reporting Services Service Pack 2

Reporting Services Service Pack 2 (SP2) includes a roll-up of bug fixes and new enhancements such as client-side printing and new SharePoint Web parts for viewing and browsing reports on the report server. Customers with Reporting Services who want to take advantage of the new features should consider testing the Reporting Services SP2 beta. 

To sign up for Microsoft’s beta program for SQL Server 2000 SP4 and/or Reporting Services SP2 go to the following link, https://www.microsoft.com/sql/evaluation/betanominations.asp