January 2020 is End of Support for SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008
January 24, 2020 marks the official end of support date for Microsoft SQL Server and Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2. That means that updates and support for the product stops in January. Did you know your old SQL or Windows server was almost out of support? Did you realize that your hosting provider’s server 2008 platform was out of date and just about out of support?
On January 14, 2020, support for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 will end. That means the end of regular security updates.
Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 End of Support | Microsoft
It took more than 10 years for Microsoft to end support for the beloved SQL 2005, and version 2008 enjoyed a similarly long reign. But it’s over and you need to get used to the idea. Even more, you need to get upgraded to a new version of SQL so your systems can still be patched, updated and supported. With all the nasty exploits out there, letting your software get out of date is more of a business risk than ever.
With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and frequent, running apps and data on unsupported versions can create significant security and compliance risks. The 2008 family of products was great for its time, but we highly recommend upgrading to the most current versions for better performance, efficiency, and regular security updates.
Now is a Good Time to Consider Hosting Services Using Microsoft Azure
Noobeh cloud services use the Microsoft Azure platform for our managed deliveries. Hosted and maintained in Microsoft datacenters around the country, Azure platform eliminates the worries of random hardware failures and allows us to build and scale services for exactly what the business needs today with the agility to expand when growth demands it. Running on Azure allows Noobeh to keep client systems updated and running on current platforms with full support. Moving existing systems to the Azure cloud is a natural step in modernizing the business infrastructure, and increasing platform efficiency.
Upgrading isn’t simply a matter of maintaining status quo, either.
Moving the cloud platform and taking advantage of updated services can be a foundation for new strategic capability. Businesses benefit by increasing overall business potential, powering new decision-making processes fueled by analytics and business intelligence. Only modern platforms, applications and data services can effectively support this requirement.
The risks inherent in not keeping platforms updated speak to security as well as limiting business information services. The Microsoft Lifecycle Policy offers 10 years of support (5 years of regular support and another 5 years of extended support) for the 2008 and 2008 R2 versions of SQL Server and Windows Server. When the extended support period ends, there will be no patches or security updates, which always creates security risk.
If your business is going to remain competitive, you can’t rely on outdated systems.
Your business is tough enough to manage without having your systems work against you. Software that prevents you from keeping up with demand, creates risk in compliance and security, and reduces operational performance is not what you need. Collecting, storing and rationalizing data takes power and speed, and securing your growing information warehouse requires vigilance in security and update management.
The 2008 end of life milestone is a great opportunity to transform applications and infrastructure to take advantage of cloud computing and the latest versions of SQL Server and Windows Server.
Use this opportunity to review your platforms and applications, and consider moving your on-premises or co-located systems to the Microsoft Azure cloud. We’re a Microsoft Direct Cloud Solution Provider and our primary service is deploying fully-managed QuickBooks on Azure and other custom cloud deliveries for small businesses.. all on the Microsoft Azure platform.
