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Microsoft Corp. Tuesday announced the availability of SQL Server 2000 Service Pack 3, which includes serviceability and security fixes and enhancements.
SP3 includes all SQL Server fixes to date and is available by clicking here. It can be applied to an original installation or to one where SP1 or SP2 was applied previously.
New features in SP3 include Analysis Services. Analysis Services include remote partitions and support for third-party data mining algorithm providers. SP3 also brings improvements in the manageability of SQL Server Agent logging. Also, replication enhancements are included to improve performance and reliability.
Microsoft promises updated serviceability via a new error-reporting setting that enables SQL Server to be configured to have critical errors automatically sent to Microsoft. Also included in SP3 is improved multi-server administration and a new monitoring API that allows database administrators or third-party tools to diagnose problem processes such as Precise/In-depth for SQL Server.
SP3 includes support for Qlogics VI-enabled SANblade QLA2350 Fibre Channel controller. The use of VI technology in the SQL Server networking layer reduces CPU consumption per message on server and client systems, according to Microsoft.
Finally, security updates include a new version of Books Online, providing customers with more guidance on how to make environments secure. In addition, SP3 includes patches for known vulnerabilities reported by users or discovered through testing, as well as the ability to run SQL Server Agent as a non-administrator.