End of Support for SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2

End of Support for SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2

 

Been avoiding upgrading?

With end of support for SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2, the time has come. July 2019 is the big date. But don’t worry, AIS Network has your back!

A lot has changed since 2008. Over the past 10 years, Microsoft has spent its time making huge improvements to their server offerings, including hybrid cloud platforms, robust security, and advanced analytic capabilities. Now, with end of support for SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 on the horizon, it’s time for you to experience these new advancements.
Here are some talking points to use in justifying the move to management:

Why should I move out of SQL 2008/2008 R2?

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Holding on to SQL 2008/2008 R2 may mean that you’ll face challenges and vulnerabilities caused by end of support.

What are the benefits of upgrading?

There are three principal benefits to upgrading:
  1. Mitigate risks with platform security and compliance. There will be no access to critical security updates, opening the potential for business interruptions and loss of data.
  2. Upgrade to better cost efficiency. Maintaining legacy servers, firewalls, intrusion systems and other tools can get expensive quickly.
  3. Modernize to innovate. Grow your environment with data, analytics and the cloud.

What’s so great about SQL Server 2017?

With SQL Server 2017 and Azure SQL Database Managed Instance, you don’t just get an upgrade — you get in-memory performance across workloads, mission-critical high availability and built-in security features to help protect your data at rest and in motion.

Are there different upgrade scenarios?

Yes. You can modernize through your choice of:
  1. Physical: SQL Server, Physical Machine
  2. Virtual: SQL Server Private Cloud, Virtual Machine + Appliance
  3. IaaS: SQL Server in Azure VM
  4. PaaS + SaaS: Azure SQL Database
With end of support coming up for SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2, prepare now to make a smooth transition and learn about the new features arriving with SQL Server 2017 and Azure SQL Database Managed Instance. At AISN, we know that change can be scary! That is why we’re here to help you through a smooth transition. Contact us to start the process today.

Laurie Head is AISN’s VP of Marketing Communications.