of upgrade options

Hi all, we are currently exploring developing a new .net 1.1 application
using a sql 2005 database. We have a copy of the April CTP Version and
wanted to know the following:-
1. Does MS have a ship date for SQL 2005?
2. Will an upgrade path be available from CTP to Release Version? We do not
want to have to re-build the server if we deploy.
3. Are significant code changes anticipated between CTP & Release?
Furthermore, will MS provide an upgrade path from existing sql2k databases
to 2005?
thanks!> 1. Does MS have a ship date for SQL 2005?
The oficial line is "second half of 2005".

> 2. Will an upgrade path be available from CTP to Release Version? We do
> not
> want to have to re-build the server if we deploy.
The CTP is licensed for development and testing purposes only (except
Express Edition, which includes a go-live licence) so you can't actually
deploy it prior to official release without special licence from Microsoft.
In the past the usual position is that upgrades from pre-release software
aren't supported but if you are supported by MS as an early adopter then
they may take a different line. You'd have to ask them.

> 3. Are significant code changes anticipated between CTP & Release?
MS says the April release is feature complete. Any change may be significant
if it affects the functionality you are using. It's always a possibility.

> Furthermore, will MS provide an upgrade path from existing sql2k databases
> to 2005?
Yes.
David Portas
SQL Server MVP
--|||In addition to David's repsonse, MS has said that from now on, future CTPs
will include upgrade from the prior CTP... Whether that includes a final
upgrade to production I do not know ( but perhaps it will.)
Wayne Snyder, MCDBA, SQL Server MVP
Mariner, Charlotte, NC
www.mariner-usa.com
(Please respond only to the newsgroups.)
I support the Professional Association of SQL Server (PASS) and it's
community of SQL Server professionals.
www.sqlpass.org
"David Portas" <REMOVE_BEFORE_REPLYING_dportas@.acm.org> wrote in message
news:Jf2dnWaEyackrD7fRVn-ig@.giganews.com...
> The oficial line is "second half of 2005".
>
> The CTP is licensed for development and testing purposes only (except
> Express Edition, which includes a go-live licence) so you can't actually
> deploy it prior to official release without special licence from
> Microsoft. In the past the usual position is that upgrades from
> pre-release software aren't supported but if you are supported by MS as an
> early adopter then they may take a different line. You'd have to ask them.
>
> MS says the April release is feature complete. Any change may be
> significant if it affects the functionality you are using. It's always a
> possibility.
>
> Yes.
> --
> David Portas
> SQL Server MVP
> --
>|||I love how everyone says "2nd half of 2005". A specific date/month would be
useful since that is the sole consideration on whether we can deploy or not.
thanks
"David Portas" <REMOVE_BEFORE_REPLYING_dportas@.acm.org> wrote in message
news:Jf2dnWaEyackrD7fRVn-ig@.giganews.com...
> The oficial line is "second half of 2005".
>
> The CTP is licensed for development and testing purposes only (except
> Express Edition, which includes a go-live licence) so you can't actually
> deploy it prior to official release without special licence from
> Microsoft. In the past the usual position is that upgrades from
> pre-release software aren't supported but if you are supported by MS as an
> early adopter then they may take a different line. You'd have to ask them.
>
> MS says the April release is feature complete. Any change may be
> significant if it affects the functionality you are using. It's always a
> possibility.
>
> Yes.
> --
> David Portas
> SQL Server MVP
> --
>|||A date is only useful if it's accurate. That's why MS won't commit
until they are ready. Even if you had an expected date would you really
want to bet the success of your project on it?
David Portas
SQL Server MVP
--|||http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/...r-teched05.mspx
Second week of November.
David Portas
SQL Server MVP
--