The best replacement for sql server 2000 is 2005.

The best alternatives to sql server 2000 are rated as following:
★★★★★  2005
★★★★  sql server 2005
★★★  oracle 9i
★★  msde
★  sql server 7.0
  7.0

Your alternative for sql server 2000 is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about sql server 2000, one probably shouldn't forget about tempdb.

Other search terms related to sql server 2000 and their ratings are:
★★★★★ tempdb
You have in mind a companion for sql server 2000 and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of sql server 2000 in all years. Click on graph for more.
sql server 2000
2005
sql server 2005