Set a stage for smooth upgrades of your SQL Server environment
Well the prime criteria for DBAs is to upgrade from the previous versions to latest version and it is not an easy option or platform to perform so quickly without having a proper testing within their environment.
As far as the SQL Server is concerned with the version 2005 you have Upgrade Advisor tool and also you need a documentation on setting up a stage of upgrades in this case.
Technet has got such valuable link for the users to help out, check it out about setting up a stage for smoother upgrades.