Hi there, if you’re reading this article, chances are you’re wondering what “end of life” means for SQL Server 2014. In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about the end of life for SQL Server 2014. From what it means, why you should care, what your options are, and more, we have got you covered.
What is SQL Server 2014 End of Life?
SQL Server 2014 was released back in 2014 and has been a reliable database management system for many organizations. However, as with all software, there comes a time when support for a particular version is discontinued. For SQL Server 2014, Microsoft has announced that the end of support will be on July 9, 2024. This means Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, patches, or technical support for this version of SQL Server.
What Does This Mean For You?
If you’re currently using SQL Server 2014, this means that after July 9, 2024, you will no longer receive any updates or support from Microsoft. This could pose serious security risks since any new vulnerabilities or exploits discovered after this date will not be patched. Additionally, if you’re running any mission-critical applications on SQL Server 2014, it’s important to ensure that everything is running smoothly, as there will be no recourse for troubleshooting issues with the software.
Why Should You Care?
It’s important to take the end of life of any software seriously. This is particularly true for databases, which contain critical data and information that could be compromised if the system is not secure. If you’re still using SQL Server 2014 after July 9, 2024, you could be opening up your organization to serious security risks. It’s important to plan ahead and take the necessary steps to upgrade to a supported version of SQL Server.
What Are Your Options?
If you’re currently using SQL Server 2014, you have a few options when it comes to what to do next.
Option 1: Upgrade to SQL Server 2019
The most straightforward option is to upgrade to SQL Server 2019. This is the latest version of SQL Server and is fully supported by Microsoft. With a newer version, you’ll have access to the latest security updates and patches to keep your system secure.
Option 2: Upgrade to SQL Server 2017
If you’re not ready to upgrade to SQL Server 2019, you can also consider upgrading to SQL Server 2017. This version is also supported by Microsoft and will receive security updates until October 12, 2027.
Option 3: Move to Azure SQL Database
If you’re willing to move to the cloud, you can also consider moving to Azure SQL Database. This is a fully managed, cloud-based database service that is compatible with SQL Server. With Azure SQL Database, you can get the benefits of a fully managed service, including automatic backups and updates, while still being able to use SQL Server.
Option 4: Continue Using SQL Server 2014 (Not Recommended)
Finally, you can choose to continue using SQL Server 2014 after the end of support. However, we do not recommend this option, as it poses serious security risks and could lead to data breaches or other security incidents.
FAQs
What Happens If I Continue Using SQL Server 2014 After the EOL Date?
If you continue using SQL Server 2014 after the end of support date, you will no longer receive any security updates, patches, or technical support from Microsoft. This means that any new vulnerabilities or exploits discovered after this date will not be patched, leaving your system vulnerable to attack.
Will SQL Server 2014 Stop Working After the EOL Date?
No, SQL Server 2014 will not stop working after the end of support date. However, as we mentioned earlier, you will no longer receive any security updates, patches, or technical support from Microsoft after this date, which could leave your system vulnerable to attack.
Do I Need to Upgrade to SQL Server 2019?
No, you do not necessarily need to upgrade to SQL Server 2019 if you’re currently using SQL Server 2014. However, upgrading to a supported version of SQL Server is highly recommended to ensure that your system is secure and up-to-date with the latest security patches.
Conclusion
SQL Server 2014 has been a reliable database management system for many organizations, but as with all software, there comes a time when support for a particular version is discontinued. As we’ve covered in this article, the end of support for SQL Server 2014 is coming up on July 9, 2024. It’s important to plan ahead and take the necessary steps to upgrade to a supported version of SQL Server to ensure that your system is secure and up-to-date with the latest security patches.