SUPPORT UPDATES

Manage your IT investment and plan for the future by understanding the product support lifecycle.

SQL Server Support Updates

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.

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.

  • SQL Server 2000 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.

    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).

  • SQL Server 2005 Support Information

    What's Happening

    On April 12, 2011, SQL Server 2005 transitioned 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.

    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 the Microsoft Support Lifecycle

Key Resources

Customer Stories

"With SQL Server 2012 Data Quality Services, we will help our customers clearly see all lenders involved in a foreclosure. This will help our customers make better, more informed buying and selling decisions."

Richard Sawicky
Senior Director of Database Technology