Does news of the end of extended support for Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 (including R2) cause REM’s “It’s the End of the World as we Know It” to get stuck on repeat in your head?
Ok, so this news may not be as epic or dire as Y2K, but even still there’s no need to fret – we’ve got you covered.
No security updates for Windows Server and SQL Server 2008 mean critical servers will be more vulnerable to attacks, either eventually malfunctioning or getting infected by ransomware. But we have the answers to help you either migrate or transition your servers to make sure they are up-to-date and protected.
Option 1: Migrate your server
Did you know that Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 migrated to Microsoft Azure will receive 3 additional years of extended support? With Azure Hybrid Benefit, as long as your Windows or SQL Servers are under maintenance, you don’t need to pay for a new Windows or SQL Server license for your new Azure VM.
One of the best options to move your servers to Azure is Arcserve Live Migration, the solution that transfers your Windows Server 2008, 2008 R2 and SQL 2008 and 2008 R2 to Azure without shutting down the source server throughout migration – but replicating it continuously until replica is in full sync with the source. Once this happens, you can switch over instantaneously – and the Live Migration can even help to switch IP addresses, machine names and DNS to make the migration seamless.
Option 2: Transition to the latest Windows Server and/or SQL Server
Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 cannot be directly upgraded to Windows Server 2019, so the best approach is to involve professional services from reputable companies who would consult, architect and perform an upgrade project. It may involve complete rearchitecting – including new technologies, such as cloud IaaS, PaaS and/or SaaS; lift-and-shift (full reinstall and reconfiguration) or a sequence of upgrade processes.
In any case it would be strongly recommended to create full, disk-level backups the original and new systems throughout the process – with Arcserve UDP.
Arcserve UDP future-proofs every infrastructure by delivering data protection and disaster recovery for every type of workload and supports both older versions like Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008, as well as the latest and greatest 2019 versions.
Now what?
Support for these servers may end soon, but Arcserve is ready to help you now. Contact us and we can guide you through both options to ensure your servers are up-to-date and help you achieve business continuity throughout the process.
