Warning! If you are on Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 or earlier, you may have entered the Microsoft world of “the end of mainstream support.” What does that mean for organizations using SQL Server 2008 R2? Read my blog to learn more.

Unfortunately, mainstream support has already ended for Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and on July 8, 2014 Microsoft also ended mainstream support for SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2. Microsoft offers mainstream support for five years after a product’s release or two years after the successor product. This means SQL Server 2012 is now a healthy two-year-old product.

When Microsoft ends a product’s mainstream support, they are removing all warranty claims, no-charge incident support and any design changes or feature requests. Extended support for SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 is still available, but it will cost you. If your organization is still using these products in your SQL environment, you will need to be on the latest service pack. Are you on the latest service packs?

BDO Digital can help you navigate these confusing waters and also review your SQL environment to identify the risks. We can also help support and improve your SQL environment through our Virtual Database Administrator or VDBA solution offering. Call us today to learn more about how we can improve your organization’s SQL systems and plan the right migration path to the next generation of SQL server.

For more information on Microsoft’s end of mainstream support, check out the following Microsoft links:

Lifecycle for all SQL product versions and Patches: http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/?sort=PN&alpha=sql

What is the difference between Mainstream and Extended Support? http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/?sort=PN&alpha=sql