As Microsoft continues to innovate with SQL Server, organisations running older versions must consider their options to modernise and maintain compliance, security, and performance. Running unsupported versions can leave systems vulnerable to security breaches and create compliance challenges with regulatory standards.

This blog explores the upgrade options available and key support timelines to help you plan your transition to newer versions. The last section highlights the benefits of moving to the latest release SQL Server 2022.

SQL Server End-of-Support Dates

To help you understand when your current version reaches its end of life, here’s a table of SQL Server versions and their support timelines:

*Note: Extended Support typically comes with an additional cost for on-premises installations, but in the Azure VM environment, this benefit is included at no extra charge, making it a compelling option for customers who need to continue using older versions of SQL Server.

Upgrade Options for SQL Server

Organisations have three primary paths to address the end of support for older SQL Server versions: Modernise to Azure, Modernise On-Premises, or Remain On-Premises with temporary solutions.

1. Modernise to Azure

Move your SQL Server environment to the cloud for scalability and continuous updates:

1. Azure SQL Database Managed Instance (PaaS):  
   • Fully managed, "evergreen" service with automatic updates.
   • Removes the need for future migrations, as support timelines become irrelevant.
   • Facilitates hybrid solutions e.g. replicating on-prem databases to a managed instances for high availability.
2. Azure SQL VM (IaaS):  
   • Upgrade to SQL Server 2019/2022 in Azure Virtual Machines.
   • Retain control over your environment while benefiting from 3 years of Extended Security Updates at no additional cost.  
3. Azure SQL DB (PaaS):
   • Easily scalable to meet workload demands.
   • Blend single databases with pooled databases (in Elastic Pools).
   • Fully managed, with automatic performance monitoring and tuning.

2. Modernise On-Premises

To upgrade to the latest supported versions of SQL Server and operating systems, you'll need to align with the latest SQL Server releases that are supported on Windows Server and Linux-based architectures, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). Here's the information for an upgrade path overview for both:

1. SQL Server Upgrade:
   1. From older versions (e.g., SQL Server 2016, 2017, or 2019) to SQL Server 2022.
   2. It’s recommended to first test compatibility using the SQL Server Upgrade Advisor to check for deprecated features or compatibility issues.
2. Operating System Upgrade:
   1. From Windows Server 2016/2019 to Windows Server 2022.
   2. From RHEL 7.x/8.x to RHEL 8.x (ensure it's a version supported by SQL Server 2022).

3. Remain On-Premises with Extended Security Updates

If immediate modernisation isn’t feasible:

• Purchase Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for older versions:  
  • Covers 3 additional years of critical security updates.
  • Costs 75% of the current license price per year.  
• This option buys time to plan migrations or decommission applications safely.

Why upgrade now to SQL Server 2022 the latest version

The latest versions of SQL Server 2022 offer groundbreaking features:

• Enhanced performance: Intelligent query processing and memory-optimized tables.
• Cross-platform support: Seamless deployment on Linux and Docker containers.
• Advanced security: Features like secure enclaves for Always Encrypted, Microsoft Purview integration and new server roles.
• Cloud integration: Easily extend your on-premises environment to Azure, allowing organisations to replicate a SQL Server instance to an Azure SQL Managed Instance for disaster recovery.  

Conclusion

Organisations running older SQL Server versions must eventually modernise to address security, compliance, and performance requirements. While temporary solutions like Extended Security Updates can mitigate risks in the short term, upgrading to a modern version or migrating to Azure offers long-term benefits and future-proofing.

If you’re unsure where to start, Pebble IT specialises in helping organisations evaluate and modernise their SQL Server environments. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Let’s work together to future-proof your SQL Server environment today.

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