Windows Server and SQL Server end of support: 1-hour briefing

If your organisation uses Windows Server 2012 or SQL Server 2012, your free extended security updates will end in 2023. This puts workloads and applications using these platforms at risk. You need to act now to ensure you stay protected.

What action should you take?

You have 4 options. Here we list them from most recommended to least recommended:

1. Migrate to Azure *recommended approach*
   Minimise business risk by securing now and modernising later. By migrating your Windows Server and SQL Server to Azure, you benefit from free security updates and hybrid benefits – and are ready for future modernisation in the cloud.
2. Modernise to Azure
   Modernise your application to PaaS or serverless. Benefit from scalable and cost-efficient cloud native services such as App Service and Azure SQL Managed Instance – and never have to patch or upgrade again. But with this option, be prepared for a longer project because this is more complicated than a pure lift-and-shift migration. Consider re-hosting first and modernising at your own pace instead.
3. Upgrade
   Upgrade to a newer version, either on-prem or directly to Azure. Upgrading to a newer version requires more effort but gives you longer support timelines. Although this is a good option for some use cases, a modernisation approach is often recommended to enable you to fully benefit from cloud.
4. Delay your move
   Secure your on-premises estate and purchase extended security updates via software assurance. Note that you have to pay for each year even if you only buy from year 2 or year 3. Only 2012 versions are eligible for this.

The best approach (or combination of approaches) depends on your situation. With our experience of more than 1,000 cloud projects, we can help you select the best option for each application – so you stay protected and can do more with less.