"Richard" <Richard@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:A33C7D15-B5CC-45FF-BDA3-BD29A4D9436F@microsoft.com...
> We are about to purchase server software - SQL 2000. However there is
> also
> an option of software assurance that provides 3 years free updates (I
> think),
> including SQL server 2005 but this is around 40% more expensive. I find
> it
> hard to justify this additional cost given the premium and there is no
> certainty that 2005 will be released next year. Can anyone clarify the
> benefits of software assurance in this context?

"Greg Low [MVP]" <greglow@lowell.com.au> wrote in message
news:u5e%23rw22EHA.1400@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
> Hi Richard,
>
> Given how close we are to SQL Server 2005, I think it would be wise to get
> Software Assurance if purchasing SQL 2000 now. Given its name, it's hard
to
> imagine it not shipping next year, particularly when you also consider
where
> it is up to in the release cycle.
>
> HTH,
>
> --
> Greg Low [MVP]
> MSDE Manager SQL Tools
> www.whitebearconsulting.com
>
> "Richard" <Richard@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:A33C7D15-B5CC-45FF-BDA3-BD29A4D9436F@microsoft.com...
> > We are about to purchase server software - SQL 2000. However there is
> > also
> > an option of software assurance that provides 3 years free updates (I
> > think),
> > including SQL server 2005 but this is around 40% more expensive. I find
> > it
> > hard to justify this additional cost given the premium and there is no
> > certainty that 2005 will be released next year. Can anyone clarify the
> > benefits of software assurance in this context?
>
>