SQL Server Support Lifetimes / Customer Actions

This communication answers customer and field questions regarding timeframes for SQL Server support, as well as options available to customers, as of 7/11/2007. Any previous SQL Server versions not listed below, have been and remain out of technical support.

 

First, some terminology clarifications.

 

Mainstream Support:

Technical Support through Microsoft Customer Support Services. This includes Hotfix Support and Security Update Support.

 

Extended Support:

Technical Support through Microsoft Customer Support Services. This includes Security Update Support only. No non-security hotfixes will be offered without extended / custom support agreements.

 

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. 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 https://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle .

 

Customers are encouraged to prepare and execute on their upgrade plans as early as possible for two versions going out of Mainstream (hotfix) support on 4/8/2008

                SQL Server 2000 SP4

                SQL Server 2005 SP1

 

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 extended support is currently offered for:

                SQL Server 2000 SP3a

                SQL Server 2000 SP4

 

Below is a more detailed table listing versions in or close to end of the support cycle, together with possible options / actions.

 

Product

Version

SP

Mainstream Support End Date

Extended Support End Date

Options / Notes

SQL Server

2000

SP3a

01/07/2003

07/10/2007

See previous blog; Technical support ends as of 7/10/2007; options after this date:

ð Continue with self-help

ð Upgrade to SQL Server 2005 SP1 or SP2

ð Custom support agreement

SQL Server

2000

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 Upgrade to SQL Server 2005 SP1 or SP2

ð Purchase extended support agreement

ð Customers are encouraged to prepare and execute on their upgrade plans as early as possible

SQL Server

2005

RTM (SP0)

07/10/2007

07/10/2007

Technical support ends as of 7/10/2007; options for technical and/or mainstream (hotfix) support after this date:

ð Continue with self-help

ð Upgrade to SQL Server 2005 SP1 or SP2

ð No custom or extended support offerings are planned at this time; customers should work with their TAMs for custom support needs.

SQL Server

2005

SP1

04/08/2008

Not Applicable

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

SQL Server

2005

SP2

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

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

2000

2.0

01/08/2008