IT Partner/ Blog/ Prepare for end of support for Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 and SQL Server 2008/2008 R2

    Prepare for end of support for Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 and SQL Server 2008/2008 R2

    #windows server, #windows server update

    End of support is coming for two commonly deployed server products. Now is the ideal time to upgrade, modernize, and transform to current versions of SQL Server, Windows Server, and Azure services for more security, performance, and innovation.

    End of Support for SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 is scheduled for July 9, 2019.

    End of Support for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 is scheduled for January 14, 2020.

    Microsoft "stops supporting"https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/cloud-platform/windows-sql-server-2008 Windows Server and SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 has been offered for 10 years (5 years for Mainstream Support and 5 years for Extended Support) and provided for, among other things, regular security updates. After the end of the Extended Support period, you will not be able to receive updates, which may cause security and compliance issues and expose customers' applications and business to serious security risks. We recommend upgrading these products to the latest versions of Microsoft software with improved security features, enhanced performance, and innovative features to help reduce security risks and continue to get regular security updates. If you do not have time to upgrade your systems in time, select one of the options to protect applications and data during the transition period.

    Option 1 -- Migrate workloads to Azure

    Newer, safer, and higher-performing up-to-date software versions support the installation of regular security updates. If you don't have time to upgrade to the latest version, transfer your workloads to Azure and renew your security updates for free for three years. The main advantages of this option include:

    • update at your pace and on your terms
    • Azure embedded security features and over 70 certificates of conformity
    • save up to 80 percent by using existing Windows Server and SQL Server licenses with Azure Hybrid Benefit Azure Hybrid Benefit (available to customers with active Software Assurance or Server Subscriptions) to obtain discounts on the license of Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS) or Azure SQL Database Managed Instance (PaaS).

    Option 2 -- Update your on-premises environments and plan your migration to a hybrid system

    Customers running SQL Server or Windows Server under licenses with active Software Assurance under an Enterprise Agreement (EA), Enterprise Subscription Agreement (ESA), or a Server & Cloud Enrollment (SCE) who do not have time to update their on-premises environment can purchase Extended Security Updates annually for three years after the End of Support date. Customers can purchase Extended Security Updates only for the servers they need to cover. Extended Security Updates can be purchased directly from Microsoft or a Microsoft licensing partner. Upgrade your system to the OS and data platform designed specifically for hybrid data centers: Windows Server 2019 and SQL Server 2017.

    • After the end of support, you can purchase Extended Security Updates for an additional fee for three years (a valid Software Assurance license or a subscription license under the Enterprise Agreement is required).
    • Reduce the cost of updates -- pay only for servers that require support.

    To calculate the cost of migrating workloads to Azure, send your requests to sales@itpartner365.com.

    You can extend security updates only for Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2008, and SQL Server 2008 R2.

    2019-03-20

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