SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 end of support

What are your options when it comes to ensuring you’re not left vulnerable when end of support rolls around for SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008?

The key facts:

Extended Support for SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 will end on July 9, 2019.
Extended Support for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 will end on January 14, 2020.

These dates might seem a while away, and as such have been pushed to the back of your mind, but the reality is that they are fast approaching. Now is the time to start making plans for upgrading.

End of support means the end of regular security updates. This will leave your 2008 products at greater risk of succumbing to ever more sophisticated (and frequent) cyberattacks. Meaning, significant compliance and security risks.

It’s an opportunity to transform and update!

Don’t think of this as yet another hassle on the long list of things to do. This is an exciting chance to upgrade your applications and infrastructure and take advantage of the latest versions of SQL Server, Windows Server and the benefits offered by cloud.

There are a number of different avenues you can take to make sure that you are prepared for end of support and we can help you choose the right one for your business.

What are the options?

You can migrate to Azure and get free extended security updates on 2008 and 2008R2 versions of SQL Server and Windows Server. Rehosting your workloads on Azure can be done with no application code change. You can also move your SQL Server 2008 and 2008R2 deployments to Azure SQL Database Managed Instance with application code change and zero downtime. You’ll be able to use existing licences and the Azure Hybrid Benefit to save money when you migrate to Azure Virtual Machines and Azure Database Managed Instance.

If there are apps and data that you want to keep running on-premises, then upgrading to the latest versions of SQL Server and Windows Server will ensure you benefit from the best security and latest innovation. If your on-premises servers need more time to upgrade, then you can purchase Extended Security Updates for three additional years. This option is available to customers with Software Assurance of Subscription licences under an EA enrolment.

What next?

We have a team of cloud solution architects and engineers ready and waiting to help you on your migration journey.

If you’d like to talk to one of our technical experts about plotting your road map for managing the advent of SQL Server 2008 and 2008R2 and Windows Server 2008 and 2008R2 end of support get in touch by emailing cloud@greymatter.com or calling +44 (0) 1364 654100.