Support for SQL Server 2008 Is Ending… What should I do?

Over the last few years, Microsoft has been making significant investments in the cloud. Unfortunately, that means that Windows Server 2008 and SQL Service 2008 will reach the end of support. But don’t worry, Microsoft has created a pathway for companies ready to make the switch to the cloud.

Why should I make the switch to the cloud?

Moving to the cloud is no longer an intimidating transition. Companies of all sizes have made the switch to the cloud, and we don’t see that trend slowing down any time soon.

Here are a few trends that are noteworthy:

•          In 2016, 16.1 ZB of data was generated. In 2025, 163 ZBs of data will be generated.
•           More than 80% of organizations now adopt cloud-first strategies as part of an overall digital transformation
•           Investment in AI, top of mind for many companies, increase by an astounding 300% in 2017

When is the deadline and what happens if I do nothing?

It’s better that you act now and not later, time is running out. Extended support for SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 ends on July 9, 2019 and Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 ends on January 14, 2020. These deadlines are around the corner; you need to give yourself time to migrate and explore your options.

If you decide to do nothing, then be prepared for no security updates, compliance concerns and missed innovation opportunities.

What are your options?

You have options, for both on-premise and cloud migrations. If you plan to stay on-premise, you can upgrade to Windows Server 2016 and get cloud and DevOps ready. If you decide to move the cloud, you can migrate Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 workloads to Azure VM.

For more information about upgrade options across cloud and on-premise, visit: www.microsoft.com/lifecycle

Sources:

1. IDC White Paper, Data Age 2025: The Evolution of Data to Life-Critical

2. Building Trust in a Cloudy Sky:https://www.mcafee.com/us/resources/reports/rp-building-trust-cloudy-sky.pdf 

3. A Trillion-Dollar Boost: The Economic Impact of AI on Customer relationship Management: https://www.salesforce.com/content/dam/web/en_us/www/documents/white-papers/the-economic-impact-of-ai.pdf