We received a notice of Raiser's Edge Microsoft SQL Server 2000 END OF SUPPORT.  DO we need to upgrade to SQL 2008 or can we continue to run with 2000 if we are not having issues?  If we do have to upgrade, what is the preferred method?  Is their an upgrade procedure specificly for SQL with Raiser's Edge 7?

Tony,

You do not need to upgrade to SQL 2008 right away especially if you are not having any issues.  The end of support for SQL Server 2000 is not until March 31, 2010.  At that time, all newly released versions will not be tested on SQL Server 2000.  Questions related to product functionality on older versions and SQL Server 2000 will still be answered.

When you are ready to upgrade to SQL Server 2008, there are two methods you can take.  One, install a new instance of SQL Server 2008, detach your database via the Blackbaud Management Console (BMC), and attach your database to the new SQL Server Instance.  Or, upgrade your current SQL Server 2000 Instance to 2008. If you, upgrade your SQL 2000 instance you will still need to detach and reattach the database in the BMC to update the database connection settings on the workstations.

-David Johnson
Product Support Lead - Installation and Technical Support Teams