Support for SQL Server 2008/2008 R2 and Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 is ending

Microsoft has announced end of support for some product versions. Namely it is support for SQL Server 2008/2008 R2, which ends on 9th July 2019. Subsequently on 14th January 2020, support will be terminated for Windows Server 2008/2008 R2.

It may seem that this statement is premature, given the declared dates…

But even if the declared end of support is (relatively) far ahead, it is suitable to get prepared for transition to new version. In former times, the whole process was “simple”. You just bought a new Windows Server and SQL Server, installed them, configured and depending on circumstances and technologies you found databases and migrated the data.

Nowadays it the situation around company’s ICT strategy somewhat more complex. For some time, Microsoft offers interesting solutions based on the Azure platform, so that not all software must be on-premise only. There are multiple possible scenarios (with support from Microsoft) for transition to new SQL Server and Windows Server and eventual alteration from on-premise solution to cloud or Azure. Another possibility is also a “hybrid” model. There can be interesting combinations found for every customer; consideration of individual ICT suitability and usability is highly appropriate.

Even if it doesn’t seem so, there isn’t much time and the dates are closing…