If you are currently using SQL Server 2012, then you may be aware of some big changes coming up for your organisation – after July 2022 you will no longer be able to get hotfixes, service packs, cumulative updates, or any other support from Microsoft. But what exactly is going to happen and how will this impact you? We take a look at the details.
What’s Going To Happen?
As you might already know, after 12th July 2022, SQL Server 2012 is reaching end-of-life. You may wonder exactly what this means for you and your organisation. Simply put, Microsoft support will cease for this server.
How Will This Change Your Support?
Microsoft generally state that you will get 10 years of support for a version of a database, 5 years of Mainstream support – which means full hotfix, service packs and cumulative updates – and 5 years of extended support – which generally means security patching to stay compliant with regulations.
Microsoft ceasing support for SQL Server 2012 might not sound like something you need to worry about, but it will make dealing with issues much more difficult. You will no longer receive hotfixes from Microsoft, and updates will also cease. Service packs will no longer be available, and Microsoft will not have the capability to provide support should you encounter any vulnerabilities within your server, or remedy any bugs.
Why Does This Matter?
Losing SQL Server 2012 extended support may seem like a small detail – after all, if you aren’t currently encountering problems, it is easy to be complacent. It is important to note that there are significant risks to your organisation’s data if you do encounter any issues, as you will not be able to rely on getting the right support easily.
Remaining Compliant
In an age of increasingly tight compliance, it is also vital to understand that running end-of-life platforms is often frowned upon by regulatory bodies. This can impact the compliance eligibility of your organisation, reflecting poorly on your business overall.
What’s Next?
The best choice for your business at this stage is to either upgrade your server or migrate to a new option. This will eliminate the risks associated with running an end-of-life platform.
Can You Keep SQL Server 2012?
If you are not currently able to upgrade or migrate your server, then it isn’t all bad news for your organisation. You can continue to run SQL Server 2012, as it will remain operational and should behave as usual. However, you will have to take into account that there are significant risks associated with this, and these risks will need to be carefully documented and tracked.
Xynomix can support all versions of SQL, irrespective of Microsoft support. If you are concerned about SQL Server 2012 end of life and how this might impact you, then get in touch with Xynomix to further explore your options and other managed services we can provide for your organisation.
