Upgrade to Windows Server 2016 and SQL Server 2017 However, it may be a reasonable option for agencies that are already planning to move to the cloud and face operational issues that prevent upgrades before the deadline. It also isn’t the most effective approach, because it also simply postpones the inevitable. This option isn’t the quickest approach because it involves the heavy lifting of moving workloads to the cloud. This is essentially the same approach as purchasing extended updates for use on-premises but without the cost of the purchase.
#WINDOWS SERVER EXTENDED SUPPORT FREE#
Microsoft offers free Extended Security Updates to customers running Windows and SQL Server 2008 in the cloud using Azure Virtual Machines. When the final deadlines approach in 20, customers will need to migrate to a more current version of Windows and/or SQL Server. It’s important to note that, while this addresses the immediate issue, it’s simply kicking the can down the road. Customers purchasing Extended Security Updates may do so in one-year increments for up to three years before reaching the final deadline.
#WINDOWS SERVER EXTENDED SUPPORT SOFTWARE#
This option is available only to customers using SQL Server or Windows Server with an active subscription to the Software Assurance licensing program. Push the deadline by up to three years by purchasing Extended Security Updates from Microsoft. The simplest option is to buy a way out of the problem. That’s an unacceptable level of risk for almost any application.Įxtensions Buy Time for SQL Server and Windows Server 2008 Users That means that customers will be vulnerable to any new security issues identified after the EOS, with very few options for remediating the problem. In addition to not supporting customers with issues, there is a more serious security impact: Microsoft will no longer release security updates for these products through the automatic updating process. After the end of support, Microsoft will no longer provide standard support for these products. Ignoring End of Life Is Not an Optionįirst, and most importantly, doing nothing is not a viable option. MORE FROM STATETECH: Find out how offsite data storage helps local agencies with disaster recovery. Fortunately, there are several options available to resolve the challenges involved, depending upon the circumstances facing each agency and each workload. With these deadlines, agencies using these products should already have made progress on their migration strategies. Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 will hit their deadline six months later, on Jan. SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 reach their end of support on July 9. Two major deadlines have been looming for agencies that use older versions of popular Microsoft products.