SQL Server End of Support

SQL Server 2012 Extended Support is ending July 12, 2022. Learn what this means for you and how to safeguard your data estate.

Why modernise with Microsoft

SQL Server 2012 end of support takes place July 12, 2022. After end of support, customers lose access to critical security updates that protect against potential security vulnerabilities.

Migrate and innovate

Protect SQL Server workloads and get access to industry-leading performance by upgrading to SQL Server 2019. Or, modernise to Azure SQL Managed Instance, a fully managed PaaS service for SQL Server databases that makes patching, upgrades and end of support a thing of the past. SQL Managed Instance runs in Azure or in the data centre of your choice using Arc-enabled data services.

Extend security updates

Stay covered with up to three additional years of Extended Security Updates. Extended Security Updates can be purchased for use outside Azure, or get them for free when you migrate to Azure Virtual Machines. Free Extended Security Updates combine with Azure Hybrid Benefit, which lets you re-use your on-premises SQL Server licences, to make Azure the most cost-effective place to run your SQL Server.

Maintain technical support

Customers with Extended Security Updates can continue to use existing Microsoft support agreements to get tech support. Use your support contract such as Software Assurance, Unified Support or Premier Support to get technical support for on-premises SQL Server 2012 with Extended Security Updates. Alternatively if you’re hosting SQL Server 2008, 2008 R2 or 2012 on Azure, you can use an Azure Support plan to get technical support.

Get assistance

Microsoft has tools and programs to help you upgrade and migrate with confidence. Azure Migration and Modernisation Programme gives you the right mix of expert help to set up your cloud environment with assistance from Microsoft and qualified partners. If you’re ready to get started, Microsoft has a suite of free tools including Azure Migrate for SQL Server discovery, assessment and migration.

Move to the cloud

Migrate to Azure Virtual Machines, and get free Extended Security Updates for three years after end of support. Combine this with Azure Hybrid Benefit to save big on Azure by using existing on-premises SQL Server licences on the cloud with no additional cost.

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SQL Server Migration

Move your SQL Server databases to Azure with few to no application code changes.

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Azure Migration and Modernisation Programme

Get the right mix of expert help you need to set up your cloud environment and move forward with confidence.

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