SQL Server End of Support Dates

All the latest SQL Server End of Support Dates, brought to you by The Database Experts

SQL Server Database Experts

Running an SQL Server Database?

Whether you’re on SQL Server 2008, SQL Server 2019, or anything in between – it’s prudent to keep an eye on the SQL Server end of support dates.

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SQL Server End of Support

Mainstream End of Support Date

SQL Server mainstream support typically covers the first five years from the date of initial release.

Updates include new features, performance, security, and quality of life additions.

Extended End of Support Date

SQL Server extended support delivers critical security patches for a limited time and, if you’re running on an Azure VM, it’s free.

For on-premises or hosted environments, extended support is available on a three-year agreement.

Be mindful that extended support does not include new features, functional improvements, or customer-requested fixes.

Why Does The Extended Support Deadline Matter?

If running an SQL Server estate, it’s essential to keep an eye on both the mainstream and extended support deadlines.

For a start, running any end of life software after support has ended poses grave security risks. Without security patch updates from Microsoft, there is an increased risk of a cyber attack or data loss.

Secondly, system performance will be impacted. Incremental updates provide stability for your database, so once these end, a database’s performance will begin to spiral downwards – sometimes rapidly. This affects BAU (business as usual) and puts organisations at increased risk of downtime.

Finally, it also means missing out on improvements and quality of life features available in newer versions of SQL Server

To bolster security, guarantee strong performance, and benefit from quality of life updates, it’s always best to migrate to the latest version of SQL Server. This is why keeping an eye on extended support deadlines is highly recommended.

SQL Server End of Life Dates

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What are my Options If Extended Support has Already Expired?

Once Extended Support ends, your estate will receive no further updates.

This raises a handful of problem. Firstly, your performance will deteriorate over time. Secondly, you’ll no longer benefit from important quality of life features. And finally, any cyber security exploits will no longer be patched by Microsoft – putting you at potential risk of a data breach.

The recommended option is upgrade to a more current version of SQL Server. This way, you’ll benefit from years of performance and security improvements, whilst benefiting from new features.

Independent Database Support, Delivered By Experts

Xynomix (zai-nom-icks) is one of the UK’s most experienced, independent providers of database support, managed services and strategic consultancy.

As a trusted Microsoft Gold Partner, our technical consultants are certified in all things SQL Server, making Xynomix one of the most qualified to help you identify your next steps.

Contact us if you’re approaching the end of extended support for your implementation of SQL Server, or have any additional questions.

Questions About SQL Server Database Support?

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If you’d like to know more about the security services we offer or would simply like peace of mind that your current database security setup is adequate, get in touch with us for a no obligation chat.

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