Helient Systems :

by Michael Trantas, Senior Solutions Architect

Microsoft is ending extended support for SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 on July 19, 2019, which means that updates and support of any kind (KB articles, hotfixes) will no longer be available. Yes – that is 10 months and it’s time to start preparing.

Due to the risk of security and compliance vulnerabilities for existing SQL Server 2008/2008R2 installations, Microsoft is recommending several options to mitigate risks after extended support officially ends.

If there are applications and data running on-premises, upgrading to the latest versions of SQL Server and Windows Server will ensure benefitting from stronger security along with new features and innovation. There is also an option to purchase Extended Security Updates for three additional years. This option is only available to customers with a Software Assurance Subscription license under an Enterprise Agreement enrolment.

Alternatively, two additional options are available to support customers within Microsoft Azure, while leveraging existing licenses and Azure Hybrid Benefits:

• Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates to organizations that want to migrate existing SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 deployments to Azure Virtual Machines. This will allow more time to plan upgrades and migration to Windows Server 2016 and SQL Server 2017.
• Microsoft is offering the capabilities of leveraging Azure SQL Database Managed instances. This database as a service feature will be available to the public by early Q4 of 2018 and will support a migration process with no application code change and near zero downtime.
• Helient is available to discuss, design and implement an appropriate Microsoft SQL server migration strategy. Please contact us for more information or any questions at service@helient.com.