The best replacement for sql 2000 is sql 2008.

The best alternatives to sql 2000 are rated as following:
★★★★★  sql 2008
★★★  sql 2005
★★★  mysql
★  ms sql 2005
  msde
  sql 7.0

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Speaking about sql 2000, one probably shouldn't forget about windows 2003.

Other search terms related to sql 2000 and their ratings are:
★★★★★ windows 2003
★ sql 2005
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sql 2000
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