Microsoft is ending support (EOS) for 3 mainstream products within 7 months:
- SQL Server 2008 (including R2) – July 9, 2019
- Windows Server 2008 (including R2) – January 14, 2020
- Windows 7 (all versions including Home, Pro, Ultimate) – January 14, 2020
If you haven’t started planning your upgrade you are running out of time, as SQL Server 2008 “expires” in 3 weeks. To compound matters, we expect a line to start forming before long of companies that want to upgrade. And by December of this year, the line may snake out the door and around the corner.
Some older hardware is not compatible with the new software versions, and it requires time to design, order, and install new hardware and software, then migrate existing domain resources and data stores. An older modular chassis running virtual machines adds another layer of abstraction that may need upgrading and would add time and cost to the project.
Those of you who have already upgraded, well done. You are already benefiting from the many enhancements and performance boosts in the new releases, not to mention the increased security and full manufacturer support.
Those who are waiting, don’t delay too long. If you consider that these products will become more vulnerable and less reliable following the EOS date, you could be gambling with high labor bills to combat infections that could have been prevented with a little planning and budgeting.
For a confidential discussion of your situation and a quote for recommended upgrades, give your Technology Partner a call.
The LeeShanok Team
Tucson: 520.888.9122
Phoenix: 602.277.5757