Microsoft reveals SQL Server 2005 SP3 plans

Microsoft has this week revealed it will release a third service pack (SP3) for SQL Server 2005, even though a new version is expected soon.

The upcoming 2008 version of the server software is scheduled for release to manufacturing (RTM) in the third quarter of this year. But version 2005 SP3 will be released soon after, it said. And it follows the release of a second service pack just over a year ago.

Although the vendor refused to give out details of what the pack will contain, director of Microsoft SQL Server product management Francois Ajenstat said in a blog posting that it will include all the cumulative updates to the software and some additional bug fixes, based on MS Connect website feedback from customers.

He said SP3 would not change the Incremental Servicing Model (ISM) that Microsoft introduced last July. The model has already made seven cumulative updates, containing all critical fixes for the period and updates for less urgent issues, available at regular two monthly intervals.

Ajenstat wrote: â€We are hearing positive comments from customers, who like the ease and predictability the ISM provides. Customers rely on the predictable time frame to pre-select the day that the fix will go into production, which eliminates any downtime for its servers.â€

Despite this, he said: â€Weâ€ve heard feedback from customers of the need for a third service pack for SQL Server 2005.â€

The announcement would allow customers to plan well in advance for SP3 deployment, he added.

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