Microsoft has announced that Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 will be reaching end-of support. This means that Microsoft will no longer be updating and patching security vulnerabilities to these products.

Without the patching support your servers will be vulnerable to cyber attacks, data loss and compliance risks. Customers currently using these products will have to upgrade their servers to ensure they continue to receive the necessary security patching updates and meet compliance requirements. The last day of security patching updates for the Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 are as follows:

• July 9, 2019: SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2
• January 14, 2020: Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2

Upgrading Your Servers

To upgrade your servers, you can choose between two options:

1. Upgrade to Azure: Migrate your applications and data to Azure, where you can get Free Extended Security Updates for three more years. Upgrading to Azure can also provide significant cost savings and allow you to adopt the latest innovative technologies.

2. A hybrid upgrade: Upgrade your on-premise applications to Windows Server 2016 or 2019 and SQL Server 2017 or 2019. Take advantage of built-in hybrid cloud capabilities for backup and high availability or migrate later.

To learn more, visit Microsoft’s security brief.

To find out how you can upgrade your servers, contact us for more information.

** A custom extension contract can be purchased from Microsoft to extend updates till 2022 in special circumstances.