Microsoft has released Cumulative Update 11 for SQL Server 2005 SP3, which is Build 9.0.4309. There are only four fixes in this cumulative update, which could mean that SQL Server 2005 SP3 is a very mature, stable product, or it could mean that Microsoft is not investing as many resources in fixing defects in a five year old version of SQL Server.
Microsoft has committed to releasing SP4 for SQL Server 2005 by the end of 2010, but I think it is a very good idea to be planning how you will upgrade to SQL Server 2008 R2. As Honor Harrington would say, “Let’s be about it, people”.
