Microsoft has changed the way how service packs and (CU) cumulative updates for SQL Server are released. Now installing CU is recommended as important as service packs. And service packs won’t be released regularly as before.
- Each new cumulative update (CU) contains all the fixes that were included with the previous CU for the installed version/Service Pack of SQL Server.
- Microsoft recommends ongoing, proactive installation of CUs as they become available:
- SQL Server CUs are certified to the same levels as Service Packs, and should be installed at the same level of confidence.
- Historical data shows that a significant number of support cases involve an issue that has already been addressed in a released CU.
- CUs may contain added value over and above hotfixes. This includes supportability, manageability, and reliability updates.
- Just as for SQL Server service packs, we recommend that you test CUs before you deploy them to production environments.
BTW, I found another SQL Server Updates information site which is maintained by Brent Ozar Unlimited.