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Learn MoreOn July 9th, 2019 Microsoft concluded extended support for SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2. The total end of support and security updates for SQL Server 2008 were a huge motivator for some organizations that use this database server to upgrade. However, many organizational stakeholders struggle with complacency and the process was delayed.
To help justify an upgrade to a more modern version of SQL Server, organizations should fully understand the risks that they will be susceptible to as they continue running SQL Server 2008 after end of support. Before we evaluate the risks of maintaining an SQL solution, let’s take a look at why organizations have continued with SQL 2008 instances.
According to SoftwareONE’s analysis, 43 percent of all SQL Server instances run either SQL Server 2008 or SQL Server 2008 R2. This begs the question – why are organizations continuing to utilize versions of SQL server that are over a decade old? There are many legitimate reasons why organizations initially chose to delay an upgrade to a newer version of SQL Server.
While organizations initially had adequate justification to delay an upgrade, with SQL Server 2008’s end-of-service being a reality, organizations must take action now. Otherwise, they could potentially face dire consequences.
Running any out of date software poses a considerable threat to organizations, and this is especially true regarding the end of support for SQL Server 2008. If your organization chose to delay upgrading, or not upgrade at all, there are some primary risks to be concerned about:
Due to the extreme risks associated with maintaining SQL Server 2008 now that it is unsupported, it is imperative that organizations still running SQL Server 2008 create a strategy to upgrade their server environment now. Unfortunately, it is hard for organizations to determine where to begin when they overhaul their current SQL solution. Here are four general steps to consider when constructing a roadmap for this upgrade:
Be aware of all the out-of-date SQL workloads within your network environment, along with configuration, usage, and workload benchmarks. Since your organization’s SQL inventory is spread across the entire organization, it may be helpful to use an advisory service to ensure inventory is taken correctly.
Once information regarding your software inventory has been recorded, create a roadmap that will help find the best migration approach for each workload. Your organization should aim to find the optimal contract at the best price. This is unique for every organization, so be sure to spend an appropriate amount of time constructing a bulletproof plan – or consult the help of a third-party expert
When executing the campaign, organizations generally plan to migrate or modernize their software environment. Migrating workloads is a simpler plan to execute, but organizations may encounter more long-term issues. Modernizing your SQL environment with a cloud environment like Azure takes more time, but will ultimately future-proof your SQL approach.
Once the plan has been executed, it’s important to constantly ensure everything is running as efficiently as possible. After updating your SQL solution, your organization will likely experience a few technical errors. To ensure day-to-day business isn’t significantly disrupted by these errors, continuous optimization is necessary.
The end of support for SQL Server 2008 has arrived, and organizations must act now. Otherwise, they risk stark consequences that could disrupt day to day business, cause expensive fines, or even tarnish their brand’s reputation.
With such high stakes, many organizations may enlist the help of third-party experts to help plan their upgrade. If you’d like to get started on your SQL Server 2008 upgrade process today, take a look at our Microsoft Advisory Services offering page. Or, if you would like to speak to an expert, contact us today.
Enlist the help of Microsoft experts to ensure you’re making the most of your investment.
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Leave a commentTony Mackelworth
Head of Microsoft Advisory
Cloud, Digital Transformation, Licensing, Software Procurement Services