SQL Versions Nearing End of Support: What It Means for Your Business

Learn why upgrading your SQL Server or migrating to the cloud is essential to protect your business from security risks and outdated technology

As your trusted technology partner, we’re committed to keeping you informed about critical updates that could impact your business, especially when it comes to your database infrastructure. A key area to focus on is SQL Server, which serves as the backbone of many organizations’ data operations. Several SQL Server versions are nearing their end-of-support (EOS) dates, and it’s vital for your business to plan for an upgrade if you’re still using these older versions.

Why Upgrading is Essential

Using an outdated SQL Server is like relying on outdated technology—while it may still function, it exposes your business to unnecessary risks. Imagine driving a car that’s decades old, missing key safety features and unable to keep up with modern demands. The same goes for your SQL Server: outdated versions lack the security, efficiency, and reliability of newer models, putting your business at risk.

We understand that upgrading your database environment is a significant decision, but the benefits far outweigh the comfort of staying with what’s familiar. Here’s why staying current with your SQL Server is critical:

Key Risks of Using Outdated SQL Versions

• Security Vulnerabilities: Once a SQL version reaches its end-of-support, Microsoft stops releasing security patches, leaving your systems vulnerable to cyberattacks. Unsupported software is one of the biggest cybersecurity threats businesses face today.
• Lack of Support: Running an outdated SQL version means you no longer have access to Microsoft’s technical support. If something goes wrong, fixing issues becomes much harder and more expensive.
• Compliance Risks: Many industries have strict compliance regulations that require up-to-date software to ensure data security. Using outdated versions could result in non-compliance, leading to potential fines or legal issues.
• Integration Challenges: As software ecosystems evolve, older SQL versions may no longer be compatible with modern applications and tools. This could limit your ability to integrate new solutions and hinder your business’s agility.

SQL Server Versions and Key Dates

Here’s a breakdown of the SQL Server versions that are approaching or have already reached their end-of-support:

Understanding Support Phases

Mainstream Support: During this phase, your SQL Server receives full support, including security patches, bug fixes, and even feature updates. If you’re using a version within this window, your systems are running at their peak efficiency and security. With mainstream support, technical assistance is always within reach. You get comprehensive incident support, warranty coverage, and the assurance that your database is secure and running at peak efficiency.

Extended Support: Once mainstream support ends, SQL versions enter an extended support phase. This is a grace period during which only critical security updates are provided, but no new features or routine updates are available. Extended support typically lasts five years, giving you time to plan for migration. Please note that extended support may come with additional costs for support and both the Mainstream Support and Extended Support phases for the software require the installation of the product’s supported service pack to continue receiving full support, including security and DST updates.

End of Support (EOS): After extended support ends, Microsoft stops providing any updates or support. Running a SQL Server beyond this point is highly risky, as your systems are completely exposed to cyber attacks and may struggle to integrate with newer technologies. Compliance will also become an issue for regulated industries. You can find a list of products that Microsoft are retiring in 2025 here.

Impacts of Staying on an Outdated SQL Version

• Security Risks: Without regular patches, your data could be exposed to serious threats.
• Vendor Limitations: Our ability to assist with technical issues may be restricted if you’re running an unsupported version.
• Increased Costs: Continuing to maintain an unsupported version can lead to higher costs due to potential downtime, costly fixes, and compliance penalties.

Exploring Cloud Migration

Today, migrating your SQL databases to the cloud is not just an option; its an opportunity to expand your capabilities. Cloud-based solutions offer flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency. Benefits include:

Scalability: Easily scale up or down as your business needs change. Having the flexibility to expand your resources on demand means your database infrastructure will never be a limiting factor.

Cost-Efficiency: Pay only for what you use, eliminating the need for costly on-premises infrastructure.

Managed Services: Cloud providers offer managed SQL services, handling updates, patches, and backups for you. This frees up your teams to focus on innovation, not upkeep.

Disaster Recovery: Cloud-based SQL instances come with built-in disaster recovery features, offering additional peace of mind.

Advantages of Upgrading to SQL Server 2019 or 2022

If you prefer to keep your systems on-premises, a SQL Server update to 2019 or 2022 is still the best way to ensure security, reliability, and the latest features. It offers several advantages;

• Performance Enhancements: Enjoy faster queries, better indexing, and optimized memory management.
• Security Upgrades: Both versions include advanced security features, including advanced threat protection, encryption, and support for compliance standards like GDPR and HIPAA.
• Cloud-Native Capabilities: SQL Server 2022 is designed with cloud integration in mind, allowing for seamless transition to Azure if you choose a hybrid approach.
• Machine Learning Integration: SQL Server 2022 now allows you to deploy predictive models directly within the database, enabling your database to not just store and retrieve data but learn from it, providing valuable insights without the need for complex integrations.

Our Commitment to Supporting Your Upgrade

We’re here to help you navigate the upgrade process, from migration planning to testing and deployment. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition with minimal downtime. If you have questions about which version is best for your specific needs, or how the upgrade process might impact your business operations, we are just a conversation away.

Take Action Now

If your business is still using a version of SQL Server nearing or past its end-of-support, now is the time to start planning. Schedule a consultation with us to explore your options and future-proof your systems. By planning early, we can ensure a seamless upgrade and minimize any downtime.