UPDATE/DELETE FROM work in all versions of SQL Server that I've worked with, including SQL 2000, 2005, 2008, and 2012. MS isn't planning on removing them. If they do decide to remove them, they'll let us know several years before it happens.
MERGE was introduced to SQL Server in SQL 2008. I've been using it for several years, and it works nicely. It's not available in SQL 2005 and prior.
If you're using SQL 2005, you can use Update/Delete From.
Definitely look into upgrading to a newer version of SQL Server, but not because of Update/Delete From. Upgrade because SQL 2005 isn't getting patches, etc., in routine support any more. Details here: http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/en/us/support/support-updates.aspx
- Gus "GSquared", RSVP, OODA, MAP, NMVP, FAQ, SAT, SQL, DNA, RNA, UOI, IOU, AM, PM, AD, BC, BCE, USA, UN, CF, ROFL, LOL, ETC
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