The following image provides an example of innovation over the various versions of SQL Server throughout the years: Query Tuning Assistant can help to tune workloads that may experience adverse effects when upgrading the database compatibility.Data Migration Assistant can help detect compatibility issues that can impact database functionality in your new version of SQL Server.Database Experimentation Assistant can help evaluate the target version of SQL Server for a specific workload.
Upgrade SQL Server using Installation Wizard
In-place OS upgrades are not supported on failover cluster instances for Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2.Ĭluster OS rolling upgrades are available starting with Windows Server 2016. There is added risk during the OS upgrade process, so doing a side-by-side migration may be the more prudent, yet more costly, approach. There is also an inherent risk of running into issues during an in-place upgrade process.Ĭomplexity: If you're on Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2, you will also need to upgrade the OS as the newer versions of SQL Server may not be supported on those Windows versions. You have to buy, maintain, and manage your own hardware and software.ĭowntime: There could be downtime depending on your upgrade strategy. For more information, see Compatibility Certification.Ĭost: This approach requires the biggest up-front investment and the most ongoing management. An application only needs to be fully re-certified when it needs to use features that are gated by a newer database compatibility setting. Low risk for database applications: By maintaining the database compatibility to the same level as the legacy system, existing database applications are protected from functional and performance changes that can have detrimental effects.Wide applicability: Applicable for database applications of any kind, including OLTP systems and data warehousing.Familiar environment: If you're upgrading from an older version of SQL Server, this is the most similar environment.Control: You have the most control over features and scalability, because you manage both hardware and software.Latest technology: New SQL Server versions introduce innovations that include performance, scalability, and high-availability features, and improved security.This gives you environmental consistency, allows you to use the latest feature set, and adopts the new version's support lifecycle. Once your SQL Server has reached the end of support, you can choose to upgrade to a newer and supported version of SQL Server. This article describes the benefits and considerations for each approach, as well as additional resources that can help guide your decision-making process. Migrate your workload to an Azure SQL Database service.įor more information, guidance, and tools to plan and automate your upgrade or migration, see SQL Server 2005 end of support and SQL Server 2008 end of support.
Extended support includes only security updates.Įnd of support (also sometimes known as end of life) indicates that a product has reached the end of its lifecycle, and servicing and support is no longer available for the product.Mainstream support includes functional, performance, scalability and security updates.Understanding the SQL Server lifecycleĮach version of SQL Server is backed by a minimum of 10 years support, which includes five years in mainstream support, and five years in extended support: This article explains your options for addressing SQL Server products that have reached end of support. Applies to: SQL Server (all supported versions) - Windows only Azure SQL Managed Instance