SQL 7 vs SQL 2000

[Kubilus1]

We are considering moving from SQL server 7 to SQL server 2000. What would be the benefits of this?
Our SQL server is used to run the backend for some production software, as well as several Access 97 database applications. Are there any issues with Access 97 and SQL 2000, will the databases convert?
Does SQL 2000 require (or prefer) more resources than SQL 7? Our server is not terribly fast (400 mhz, 458M RAM) and is used for several other purposes as well, is this enough. Plus our machine is only running NT4, is this acceptable?
Or would I be best off waiting untill the next iteration of SQL server (SQL Server XP?) comes out?

I've been looking for info on the net and on Microsofts Website and can't seem to find any clear answers. I thank you for your expertise.

Matt

 

[jjgraf]

Sql Server 2000 has some neat features and better liceneing deals compared SQL 7.0 with respect to Websites using it as a backend.

SQL 2000 supports XML nativley

Better improvments in Clustering and managment of such systems.

But for the most part it is not a must move for a single server business. that is the reason it's version is 7.1 not version 8.0.

Also it's resource usage is about the same.

here is some info

what's new:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/instsql/in_overview_2xtf.asp

and upgrading if you do so

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/instsql/in_overview_2xtf.asp