Microsoft releases its newest database platform, SQL Server 2014, to customers on 1 April 2014. Unfortunately this means the demise of support for the popular SQL Server 2008 R2 platform on 8 July this year.

Forming the foundation of Microsoft’s cloud-first data platform, the hybrid cloud capability of the SQL Server 2014 offers greatly improved performance; in-memory and business intelligence while having the flexibility for customers to use in-house or in the cloud.

Among the features SQL Server 2014 boasts are new in-memory OLTP technology; enhanced In-Memory ColumnStore for data warehousing; improved performance with new query optimization capabilities; new buffer pool extension support; enhanced security and AlwaysOn features; and better scalability of the compute, networking and storage layers with Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2.

As per the norm for Microsoft, Mainstream Support is only offered for the current SQL Server (‘2014’) and previous SQL Server (‘2012’) versions. From 8^th July 2014 there will be no more Service Packs or Cumulative Updates. Microsoft *may* still release security updates if necessary. You can still get support from Microsoft after Mainstream Support ends, but if your problem is caused by a code defect in SQL Server, Microsoft will not fix it, unless it is security related or you have purchased Extended Support.

If you do want Extended Support, you need to ensure this is organised by the 9^th April 2014, which is 90 days before end of Mainstream Support.

If your environment is not currently patched to the latest levels, doing so before the end of support date passes should be at the top of your list of priorities. Alternatively, we can assist you in planning your migration to a supported platform today. See Microsoft support site for details.