Extended Support for SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 ends July 9, 2019. And that’s not all – on January 14, 2020, Extended Support for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 will follow suit. If your servers are left unsupported, you could face limited functionality, higher maintenance costs, and compliance concerns.
Those dates might seem distant now, but you’ll want to have a transition plan in place over a year in advance. Luckily, there are plenty of paths you can take toward a more stable, secure data center.
For example, you could migrate to the Microsoft Azure cloud and receive free security updates. As a plus, you can rehost SQL Server workloads with few – if any – application code changes.
Alternatively, you could upgrade to Windows Server 2016 or SQL Server 2017 with the latest Intel Xeon-powered servers. Intel hardware is certified to support these demanding workloads with top-of-the-line security, performance, and design.
Or you could mix both options together in a hybrid approach: move what you need to Azure, upgrade to new servers with modern Intel components, and find the right balance for your business.
Whichever route you take, you’ll have support from Zones every step of the way – we’re experts when it comes to data center transformation. Our Server Design & Implementation services will help you plan and deploy an efficient new compute platform for your critical applications, and our Azure Lift & Shift Migration and Implementation services smoothly and securely move your server applications/operations from on-premises to the cloud.
Want to learn more before getting started? Check out infographics on Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 to get a better idea of your options, then call 800-408-ZONES to start planning your move with one of our experts.