Important Dates
9th July 2019 - SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 extended support ends.
14th January 2020 - Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 extended support ends.
The end of extended support and security updates from Microsoft means that your systems will become vulnerable to outside threats and aren’t compliant with industry regulations such as GDPR and ISO 27001.
End of Security Updates
If you’re running Windows Server or SQL Server 2008 or 2008 R2, these versions are reaching the end of their support lifecycle. Each version is backed by a minimum of 10 years of support (5 years for Mainstream Support and 5 years for Extended Support) including regular security updates. End of support means the end of security updates, which can cause security and compliance issues and put applications and business at risk.
Bytes recommend upgrading to current versions for the most advanced security, performance, and innovation. To help our customers that can’t get it all upgraded by the deadline there are options to help you protect applications and data during the upgrade transition.
Things to consider...
Do you want to keep the workload on-premises or move to the cloud? Can you upgrade the operating system or do you need to stay on SQL & Windows Server 2008? Perhaps you want to rebuild the application using new app patterns with Azure PaaS?
Whatever your needs - Bytes can help you find the right solution for your business. Each option below is worth exploring and you may even use multiple options to move workloads from SQL Server and Windows Server 2008, depending on the workload.
Whatever your needs - Bytes can help you find the right solution for your business. Each option below is worth exploring and you may even use multiple options to move workloads from SQL Server and Windows Server 2008, depending on the workload.
Reasons to stay On-Premises or Migrate to Azure
Migrate to Azure
Get free Extended Security Updates for Windows Server and SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 VM’s for three years after deadline. This buys you more time to work on upgrading or modernising your applications in the cloud.
Migrate to Azure SQL Database Managed Instance for a version-free option that will make this your last end-of-support transition.
Save with Azure Hybrid Benefit and Reserved Instances. The Azure Hybrid Benefit can help you save 55% for SQL Server and up to 49% for Windows Server by using your on-premises licenses (vs. pay-as-you-use).
Upgrade on-premises
Upgrade to SQL Server 2017 and Windows Server 2016 or 2019 – this will ensure you can gain access to the latest features of SQL server and continue to receive regular security updates.
Can’t meet the deadline? Protect server workloads by buying Extended Security Updates to get 3 more years of security updates for Windows Server and SQL Server 2008 or 2008 R2. Costs will be charged at 75% of the full licence cost of the latest version of SQL Server. This option is only available to EA customers with active Software Assurance or Subscription licenses.” In the “Upgrade on-premises” option as there is room.
Bytes Windows & SQL Modernisation Assessment
Need to gain some visbility? Within this assessment, our experts produce a clear picture of your current SQL Server estate, create a roadmap of next steps and provide remediation recommendations including upgrading on-premises or a migration to Azure.
Interested in our Windows & SQL Server Modernisation Assessment?
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Are you interested in our Bytes SQL Server Modernisation Assessment? Call us on 01372 418 500 or email us at [email protected]