Time to read: 1 minute By Ballard Chalmers Microsoft Data Platform Team
If you are running SQL Server 2008 or 2008 R2, these versions are reaching the end of their support lifecycle on 9 July 2019.
What does SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 End of Support mean exactly?
SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 End of Support means the end of security updates from Microsoft. To overcome this, Microsoft recommends upgrading to the current version of SQL Server on-premises, and/or migrating to Azure; both of these options provide you with the most advanced security, performance, and innovation.
What if I cannot make the deadline?
To help customers who are unable to get it all upgraded by 9 July 2019, there are options available to protect applications and data during the transition.
In Azure: If Azure is your destination, Microsoft offers 3 years of free Extended Security Updates for SQL Server 2008/2008 R2 running in Azure VMs. Or, even better, migrate to Azure SQL Database Managed Instance for a version-free option that will make this your last end-of-support transition (Note: this latter service will be available in Q4 2018).
On-premises: We recommend upgrading to the most current version of SQL Server – SQL Server 2017. Other versions are available, but getting the latest version means you will have access to the latest technology available on the market.
There is an alternative for organisations with Software Assurance or subscription licenses which lets them purchase Extended Security Updates for 3 years of security updates to keep the remaining servers protected.
What should I do next?
By breaking down the SQL Server migration process into three steps — Assess, Migrate, and Optimise — you can solve the most pressing migration challenges and deliver the reliability, performance, and security your stakeholders expect.
Assess: Inventory workloads in your environment and determine migration path.
Migrate: Upgrade to SQL Server 2017, move to Azure or a hybrid of both.
Your approach will depend on what your IT infrastructure looks like now, what you want it to look like, and the budget and schedule limits you are working within. The Ballard Chalmers team is happy to help you at any step along the way – we welcome you to get in touch with us for a no cost initial chat.
By the Ballard Chalmers Microsoft Data Platform Team
