SQL Server 2008 End of Support blog

The time has come to switch.

We’ve been banging on about it since Big Ben chimed the start of 2019, but the time is finally here – Microsoft are ending all support for SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2.

That means no more updates, no security patching, and putting your firm at risk of breaching compliance if you don’t update your software.

So, in case your IT team have been living under a rock and this is the first you’re hearing of SQL Server 2008’s imminent EoS, what can you do?  Below are DSP-Explorer’s recommendations for how you can ensure that your firm stays up to date with the latest secure, compliant, and innovative software.

For more detailed information on any of the below options, sign up to a workshop with us – for a limited time we are offering 1-1 SQL Server 2008 EoS workshops at a location of your choice, and at your convenience.

Switch to Azure

Your first option is arguably the best one in the long term – by re-hosting SQL Server 2008 onto Azure, Microsoft will guarantee 3 more years of upgrades at no extra cost.  This means your databases will remain secure and compliant for 3 more years.

If your company don’t yet have a plan for how to support their SQL Server 2008 databases post-EoS, this buys you plenty of time to set up a more permanent plan.

It also gives you the freedom to explore Azure and allows your company to take a step forward in their journey to the Cloud – it’s an easy step towards future-proofing your firm.

This option also comes with Azure Hybrid benefits which, if your company is eligible, are definitely worth taking a look at to keep costs down.  Check out our page on migrating to Azure for more info.

Upgrade to SQL Server 2017

Option number two is simply to upgrade to the latest version, namely SQL Server 2017 or Windows Server 2016.  The main benefit of this solution is ensuring that your databases will remain secure and compliant with the latest updates…

AND you can be safe in the knowledge that you aren’t simply pushing an inevitable upgrade 3 years further down the line!

This tactic critically takes ‘upgrade databases’ out of the ‘do it later’ box – yes, we all have one, but it isn’t a good place to store something as vital as keeping your security and compliance up to scratch. Dealing with SQL Server 2008 End of Support should be a ‘sooner’ rather than a ‘later’.

Extended Security Updates

In the case you’re working with physical servers you can’t upgrade in time, the third option is to purchase extended security updates for 3 more years.  This option falls very much into the same category as the above: it’s fine in the short term, and far better than remaining unsupported, but will require a rehaul in 3 years either way.

That said, migrating physical servers to Cloud isn’t a job to be rushed.  If your firm is considering a larger move within the next 3 years but needs more time to set up, this could be the ideal solution for you.

Visit the DSP-Explorer website for more information about what SQL Server 2008 End of Support means for you, and what you can do about it.

Or sign up to a workshop with us to discuss your options in detail.