Where has the time gone? According to Microsoft’s timetable, mainstream support for SQL Server 2016 SP2 ends on Tuesday, July 13, 2021.
What does that mean for you if your data is running SQL Server 2016?
As Microsoft states it, Mainstream Support refers to the first phase (typically five years) of a product’s lifecycle under the Fixed Policy, and includes:
- Incident support (no-charge incident support, paid incident support, support charged on an hourly basis, support for warranty claims)
- Security update support
- The ability to request non-security updates
Still, you don’t have to panic. After Mainstream Support comes the Extended Support period, which for SQL Server 2016 SP2 continues until July 2026. Extended Support includes:
- Paid support
- Security updates at no additional cost
- Ability to request non-security fixes for select products, for eligible Unified Support customers.
What does this mean for you and your instances? It’s probably not too early to consider your options — upgrade or otherwise. Audit your instances and determine your SQL Server needs going forward. Is this a reason to migrate to Azure, or perhaps consider a hybrid model? Can you or should you reduce your SQL Server footprint? What are the benefits and ROI of upgrading to, for example, SQL Server 2019?
Answering these questions, planning your upgrade or Azure migration, getting budgetary approvals, retiring instances, and generally mapping out your strategy can all take a lot of time. Don’t wait too long to decide.
Even more urgent is to consider your options if your instances are running SQL Server 2012 SP4. Extended support for this product ends on July 12, 2022. What platform will you run come July 13?
SQL Solutions Group can assist you with any audits, upgrades or migrations, simplifying this tedious process for you, and helping ensure you have the best possible outcome.
