Addressing the End of Life Period for SQL Server 2012: Upgrade Options

Author: JP Chen | 4 min read | August 29, 2023

SQL Server 2012 end of life has come and gone. IT leaders must consider their options for a smooth transition. One effective approach is upgrading to a currently supported version of Microsoft SQL Server, either on-premises or on Azure.

Upgrade to a Currently Supported Version of SQL Server

Upgrading to a newer version, such as SQL Server 2022 or SQL Server 2019, offers long-term support and various improvements. These versions provide enhanced performance, improved security features, and expanded functionality. Upgrading ensures continued support and eliminates concerns about imminent support expiration.

Considerations for SQL Server 2012 Upgrades

Migrating from SQL Server 2012 to a newer version requires careful planning and resource allocation. Refactoring applications that relied on these SQL Server databases may be necessary to leverage new SQL Server features and avoid deprecated functionality. This process, while essential, can be disruptive, particularly for mission-critical applications.

Creating a Comprehensive Database Migration Plan

To minimize disruption, a comprehensive migration plan is crucial. Start by assessing your existing infrastructure, applications, and dependencies to identify potential compatibility issues. Collaborate with development and operations teams to ensure a smooth transition. Engaging end-users and stakeholders early on can manage expectations and gather valuable feedback.

Migrating SQL Server 2012 to Microsoft Azure

Consider migrating your SQL Server environment to Azure, which provides solutions that simplify the migration process. Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance offer scalability, high availability, and disaster recovery capabilities. Leveraging Azure provides the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of the cloud while enjoying ongoing support and security updates.

Addressing the end of life period for Microsoft SQL Server 2012 requires proactive action. Get our guide “4 Ways to Deal with SQL Server 2012 End of Extended Support” to explore additional options for your end of life strategy.

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Blog Author

JP Chen

Global Practice Lead of SQL Server

JP Chen is the Global Practice Lead of SQL Server at Datavail. He leads a talented team of SQL Server Database Administrators in the US and India working closely with customers around the globe in supporting their SQL Server environments in both on-premises and the clouds such as AWS and Azure. With more than 20 years of experience as an IT professional, JP carries a wealth of customer support, problem-solving, writing, and team management experience. He’s an avid blogger and also authored a number of whitepapers and ebooks such as SQL on Linux, Keeping Pace with Change: Prepare for Tomorrow & Advance Your Career, and The 5 Hats Worn By Database Administrators. All are available at www.datavail.com. He had also presented various technical and non-technical topics in major conferences such as SQL PASS, SQL Saturday, RMOUG, and AWS Workshop Series. Outside of work, JP enjoys traveling and sampling exotic foods around the world.