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Microsoft SQL Server 2012 EoL is here - know your options

SoftwareOne blog editorial team
Blog Editorial Team
Publisher advisory

As you may be aware, Microsoft SQL Server 2012 End-of-Life (EoL) goes into effect on July 12, 2022. This means that after July 12 customers who are running SQL 2012 will no longer receive security updates from Microsoft. Without these critical updates, your business may be unprepared to mitigate risk and more susceptible to patching vulnerabilities – likely to create more risk and higher costs over time.

Choose your path

Everyone that is running SQL 2012 will stop receiving security patches. Since your licensing will not automatically upgrade, it is crucial to take action to safeguard your environment and have seamless protection on the transition. If you choose to take the business-as-usual route and do nothing, be aware that you will not receive any more critical updates from Microsoft. After July 12, you will be running the risk that if something impacts your data centers or servers there will not be any blockers in place to help them. If you are unsure of what is happening in your organization, consider connecting with SoftwareONE to run a Microsoft Licensing Statement (MLS) Report to gain some clarity.

Next steps

First, let’s start with what you do know. Your current licensing agreement may be a good place to begin. Knowing what you have now will help determine the best path to maintain security, stay compliant and optimize costs – both now and in the future.

If you have SQL Server 2012 deployed and you want to know how to move forward, here are your options:

  • Do Nothing

    You may continue to run your SQL Server 2012 as-is, but keep in mind that it will no longer be receiving Security patches from Microsoft.

    If this sounds too risky, you can choose to:

  • Buy Extended Security Updates (ESU)

    for your SQL Server 2012 deployments

    A few important things to keep in mind about ESUs:
    1. Sold in 1-year increments
    2. Only available for purchase on an Enterprise Agreement (EA)
    3. Only available for purchase on licenses that are covered by SA

  • Upgrade to SQL Server 2014

    or higher

    These versions are still receiving security patches for duration of their support term.
    If you plan to upgrade, but cannot do so in the short-term, we recommend buying ESUs so you are covered until you can complete your upgrade.

  • Migrate your SQL Server 2012 to Azure

    In Azure, these servers will continue to receive security patches for the next three years.

    If you plan to migrate to Azure, but cannot do so in the short-term, we recommend buying ESUs so you are covered until you can complete your migration.

    Learn more

    Read more

Now that you know more about the options available to you, follow the chart paths below to see what makes the most sense for your organization when your Microsoft SQL 2012 expires:

Customers currently running microsoft sql server 2012.

Stay protected and in-the-know

Unless someone in your business has been planning for next steps, it may come down to paying up or rolling the dice. Having a true understanding of what is in place can make all the difference. By connecting with our team, we can start by running a Microsoft Licensing Statement (MLS) Report to review current licensing entitlements and discuss deployment strategies.

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Microsoft Solutions and Managed Services

SoftwareOne is the right partner to provide the best Microsoft solutions and Managed Services to support our customers in their Digital Transformation initiatives.

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SoftwareOne blog editorial team

Blog Editorial Team

We analyse the latest IT trends and industry-relevant innovations to keep you up-to-date with the latest technology.