Would you be allowed to make changes to the SQL code?

Probably not.

Would you be allowed to make changes to the indexing?

Probably not, however I...

Thanks guys and gals for all your responses so far.

Regarding the blocking/performance issues we are currently experiencing, well, 100% of our development is done by consultants in another state...

It sounds like there's no good way to evaluate SQL 2008 in a production environment with the hopes of going back to SQL 2000. Hmmm. Well, if we take the...

Noeld, why specifically do you say that Log Shipping will not work to establish a reporting server?

So this solution would not be a good solution for someone looking for a reporting server since it does not A) terminate all connections to the database prior to applying...