2 part question. 1. What product recently had Microsoft Mainstream Support end on 4/14/09 and now is on extended support through 4/8/14?
ANSWER: Exchange 2003 http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?LN=en-us&x=10&y=13&p1=1773
2. In real terms, what does this mean for you?
ANSWER: Most importantly, extended Support phase means “non-security hotfix support” is gone w/o an agreement. An example is when a DST patch was needed for Windows 2000 and earlier, folks had to pay a LOT for a hotfix agreement or use 3rd software for a fix. This isn’t too important to be honest since Exchange 2003 is rock solid and will give you time to upgrade to Exchange 2010 when you decide to upgrade. http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifepolicy