SQL Server 2019 End of Life: What Dev Needs to Know

Hello Dev, if you’re using SQL Server 2019, it’s important to know that its end of life is approaching. Microsoft has announced that it will stop releasing updates and patches for this version in just a few months. In this article, we’ll discuss what this means for you and what steps you can take to prepare for the end of life.

What is SQL Server 2019 End of Life?

SQL Server 2019 End of Life means that Microsoft will stop providing updates and patches for this version. This includes security updates, bug fixes, and new features. Once the end of life date is reached, SQL Server 2019 will no longer be supported by Microsoft, which means that any issues or problems that arise will not be fixed by the company. This can lead to security vulnerabilities and performance issues.

If you’re using SQL Server 2019, you need to be aware of the end of life date and plan accordingly. This will help you avoid any potential problems and ensure that your systems remain secure and up-to-date.

When is SQL Server 2019 End of Life?

Microsoft has announced that the end of life for SQL Server 2019 will be on July 13, 2021. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide updates or support for this version. This means that if you’re running SQL Server 2019, you need to plan your migration or upgrade before the end of life date to avoid any issues.

What are the Risks of Running SQL Server 2019 After End of Life?

If you continue to use SQL Server 2019 after the end of life date, you run the risk of security vulnerabilities and performance issues. Without updates and patches, any security vulnerabilities that are discovered will not be fixed, which means that your systems will be at risk of attack. Additionally, performance issues may arise as the software becomes outdated and incompatible with other software and hardware.

What are the Options for Migrating from SQL Server 2019?

If you’re currently using SQL Server 2019, you have several options for migrating to a supported version. The first option is to upgrade to SQL Server 2019 CU10 or later. This will provide you with ongoing updates and support from Microsoft.

The second option is to migrate to Azure SQL Database or Azure SQL Managed Instance. This will provide you with a cloud-based solution that is fully managed by Microsoft. This option may be the best choice if you’re looking for a fully managed solution that doesn’t require any on-premises hardware.

The third option is to migrate to SQL Server 2019 on-premises. This will provide you with a supported version of SQL Server that can be installed on your own hardware. This option may be the best choice if you have specific hardware requirements or if you prefer to keep your data on-premises.

How to Plan for the SQL Server 2019 End of Life?

To plan for the SQL Server 2019 end of life, you need to take several steps. The first step is to determine which version of SQL Server you’re currently running and when it will reach end of life. This will allow you to plan your migration or upgrade accordingly.

The second step is to evaluate your current infrastructure and determine which migration option is best for your organization. This may involve working with a consultant to determine the best solution for your specific needs.

The third step is to create a migration plan that outlines the steps involved in the migration or upgrade. This plan should include timelines, responsibilities, and any potential risks or issues.

The fourth step is to test the migration or upgrade in a non-production environment. This will allow you to identify and address any issues before the migration or upgrade is performed in production.

The fifth step is to perform the migration or upgrade in production. This should be done during a scheduled maintenance window to minimize any potential downtime.

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