Software solutions don\u2019t last forever. While patches and security updates can stave off the inevitable for quite some time, it\u2019s impossible to maintain a specific solution forever. Support is eventually cut off, and businesses are left exposed if they haven\u2019t taken the time to prepare. In the case of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2, you are running out of time.<\/p>\n
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Outdated software is an issue that all businesses have to deal with. The fact that so many organizations don\u2019t routinely update their software solutions is pretty telling. For one, many businesses simply don\u2019t have the resources at their disposal to make sure maintenance is performed on a regular basis. Granted, unless a business has taken substantial steps toward upgrading away from software that has reached its end of support date, they will have to suffer the consequences.<\/p>\n
End of Life, also known as End of Support, is a term that is used to identify software that is not updated or patched after a specific period of time has passed. Certain Microsoft products can utilize the Extended Security Update, but only for a maximum of three years, meaning it\u2019s more efficient and cost-effective to upgrade away from your old systems before they reach the end of support date.<\/p>\n
How would your business be affected by a potential security breach? Since you won\u2019t be receiving security patches or updates, you\u2019ll need to consider this possibility. Following a major security breach, you\u2019ll be forced to upgrade your systems anyway, so not only will you have those costs, but you\u2019ll have to deal with the fallout of a data breach. It\u2019s never too early to start taking preventative measures and think about the future of your infrastructure, as well as who will be responsible for the management, maintenance, and upgrading of your business technology.<\/p>\n