Microsoft ends support for SQL Server and Windows Server 2008

Microsoft has announced that on July 9, 2019, support for two server products will end: SQL Server and Windows Server 2008. This means that after this date, there will be no more regular security updates for these tools. To ensure that your infrastructure and devices remain protected, you need to adapt to new technologies by migrating to current versions of servers that offer more security and better performance for the user. A good option to upgrade and replace SQL Server and Windows Server 2008 is Azure. The tool, which also belongs to Microsoft, has an advantage over AWS (Amazon's cloud service), since Windows Server and SQL Server on AWS cost five times more than on this platform. On Azure, you can re-host SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 with few or no changes. Another option is to migrate to Azure virtual machines, which offer three years of extended security updates at no additional cost, as well as periodic updates to newer versions. Before migrating, it is important to assess the applications and functions running on SQL Server and Windows Server 2008 to avoid any surprises in case of problems. After migrating to an updated version of SQL Server or to a cloud service, resources should be optimized for easier management, cost optimization, and greater security. Source: Microsoft

Frequently asked questions

What does the end of support for SQL Server and Windows Server 2008 mean?

After July 9, 2019, there will be no more regular security updates for these products. To keep your infrastructure protected, you need to migrate to current versions or to Azure.

What is a recommended option to replace SQL Server and Windows Server 2008?

Azure is a good option, as Windows Server and SQL Server on AWS cost five times more than on Azure. On Azure, you can re-host these servers with few or no changes.

What should be done before migrating from SQL Server and Windows Server 2008?

It is important to assess the applications and functions running on these servers to avoid surprises in case of problems. After migration, resources should be optimized for easier management, cost optimization, and greater security.