Microsoft SQL server 2008 has been one of the most widely used database management systems in the industry till date. Organizations have been using SQL Server 2008 and SQL server 2008 R2 for over a decade now. However, Microsoft stopped its Mainstream support back in 2015 and plans on stopping the technical support for SQL 2008/R2 by July 2019. Using SQL server 2008/R2 past July 2019 will be a potential risk for organizations. Loss of data, compatibility issues, lack of add-ons and, the biggest threat of them all, cyber-attacks, will be an ever-looming problem. This has given rise for a need to search for a suitable replacement for SQL server 2008 in order to avoid security and compliance risks.

At Vatsa Solutions, over a decade of our presence, we are using SQL server 2008 extensively in a variety of projects for a long time and has closely seen the gradual transformation it has brought in the industry over the years. Packed with multiple features like Master Data Services, Power Pivot, Management Studio and Report Builder, the convenience of using database management systems had reached new charts. However, with the advent of Microsoft’s decision to discontinue with SQL server 2008, we are helping organizations to choose the best-fit alternative for the future.

Before Microsoft ends their support, there are a few measures one can adopt which will help to ensure that the organization’s data is not vulnerable.

The obvious and the most convenient measure is to upgrade to a newer version of Windows server and SQL server. The newer versions offer you updated features and abetter security landscape. The latest versions of Windows Server and SQL Server available are Windows Server 2019 (reaching general availability from October 2018)and SQL Server 2017. You have an option to upgrade to the on-premises versions or the cloud version on Azure (recommended by Microsoft). Being a certified Microsoft partner, we can help you with our expertise in data management systems, to migrate to the latest servers which suit your business.

Microsoft recently announced another option for those who don’t wish to upgrade and still would like to keep using SQL server 2008, they can simply use the Azure Hybrid Use Benefit to move your Microsoft SQL Server 2008 to Azure. The only cost required will be for computation and infrastructure. Furthermore, one can also save on the computation cost by using Azure Reserved VM instances. Our expertise with Microsoft Azure can assure you of a smooth transition to this platform. Just to give a sneak peek, you can check out how we used the Microsoft Azure cloud computing, as part of our end-to-end Microsoft technology capabilities, to create an award-winning learning-platform on top of Microsoft Office 365.

For those who are comfortable with the old server and plan on continuing with its usage, you can keep using the SQL server 2008 at 75% of the running cost and still receive security updates from Microsoft. For this extended support, you must have a Software Assurance or Enterprise Subscription agreement. This extension option is also a direct replacement for Windows Server and SQL Server Premium Assurance that Microsoft discontinued prior to the announcement of this new option. Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 and SQL 2008/2008 R2 were the ones set to take advantage of the Premium Assurance offer.

Vatsa Solutions is a certified partner with Microsoft Azure, and we have helped many of our prestigious clients to create some state-of-the-art platforms. We would be happy to help companies who are looking to successfully migrate their data using Azure and protect data from a potential threat, thus keeping your company running seamlessly in this end of life transition. In fact, our end-to-end Microsoft Stack capabilities can help you to be up and running, without any hassles and obstructions for your complete digital roadmap. To know more about offerings, feel free to get in touch with us at contact@vsplc.com.

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