A Tale About SQL Service Packs for 2014

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip…

There has been some community discussions recently about what Microsoft might be planning for SQL Server updates in 2014. Many may not realize, but mainstream support for SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 ends on July 8, 2014. Extended support picks up after that date and continues until July 8, 2019, however there's been some customer concern if those versions would see any new service packs released prior July 2014.

Microsoft has answered (somewhat) the queries through a post on the SQL Release Services Blog, stating that the "service pack story" is still being "clarified." The answer is not really an answer at all, but more of a "stay tuned" message. As soon as the SQL Server team clarifies the story, they will communicate the saga to customers.

The post also states that SQL Server 2012 will definitely see a Service Pack 2 this year. No date is given other than that it will be available "later this year."

For your records, the blog post is here: Update on the Service Pack plans for SQL Server