14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has issued a warning that Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 will reach the end of the support in October 2023, at which point no further updates would be released.
The company emphasizes that the end of support is an important milestone that requires customers to be prepared and either switch to Azure or go for newer versions of Windows Server, such as Windows Server 2022.
The software giant has also warned that SQL Server 2012 will also reach the end of the support this month, and the best way to avoid the security risks that are caused by the EOL is to upgrade to SQL Server 2019.
“SQL Server 2012 will reach the end of support on July 12, 2022, and Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 will reach the end of support on October 10, 2023. After this date, these products will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, or technical support,” Microsoft said.
“Microsoft recommends customers migrate applications and workloads to Azure to run securely. Azure SQL Managed Instance is fully managed and always updated (PaaS). Customers can also lift-and-shift to Azure Virtual Machines, including Azure Dedicated Host, Azure VMWare Solution, and Azure Stack (Hub, HCI, Edge), to get three additional years of extended security updates at no cost.”
At the same time, the Redmond-based software giant warned that Windows Server 2008 will no longer get extended security updates after January 10, 2023. Needless to say, ESU can be renewed for one extra year, obviously at an additional cost.
“SQL Server 2008/R2 and Windows Server 2008/R2 Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will end support on July 12, 2022, and January 10, 2023, respectively. Customers who require additional time to upgrade may rehost their servers on Azure to receive one additional year of free ESUs,” the company said.