As of July 12, 2022, SQL Server 2012 is no longer officially supported, meaning organizations without the Extended Security Update Service (ESUS) are vulnerable to potential risks.
While the ESU program will continue to provide security updates until July 8, 2025, companies that opt in now will be required to pay for the missed months from the end of regular support. Therefore, it is essential to take action quickly for companies still using SQL Server 2012.
In this article, we discuss the licensing options for the ESU program and the alternatives available for your organization.
Current Status of SQL Server 2012 ESU Updates
SQL Server 2012 is no longer supported since July 12, 2022. However, Microsoft will continue to provide critical security updates through the ESU program until July 8, 2025.
The ESU program has the following payment structure:
Year 1: Until July 11, 2023
Year 2: Until July 9, 2024
Year 3: Until July 8, 2025
If your organization now decides to opt into the ESU program, you will not only have to pay for the remaining period, but also for all months missed since regular support ended. In addition, the ESUs will only be available when a security vulnerability is discovered that Microsoft has determined to be critical. There is no fixed update schedule for these ESUs.
Available licensing options
Organizations using SQL Server 2012 have the following licensing options to remain compliant with security requirements:
- ESU via Software Assurance: If you have active Software Assurance, you can take advantage of the ESU program at no additional cost for the months missed.
- ESU via Azure Arc: You can purchase ESUs for on-premises environments through Azure Arc, costing 75% of a SQL Server 2022 license in the first year, 100% in the second year, and 125% in the third year.
It is important to note that ESUs do not include technical support. Technical support requires additional contracts, such as Software Assurance or Premier Support.
Migration options
If you are considering migrating, there are several options you can consider:
- Migrating to Azure Virtual Machines: This provides three years of free Extended Security Updates when migrating to Azure VMs and can be cost-effective, with savings up to 69% compared to on-premises ESUs.
- Upgrade to SQL Server 2022: By upgrading to SQL Server 2022, you will benefit from the latest technologies and improved functionality, security, and performance. Note that a side-by-side upgrade is required for SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2.
- Azure SQL Managed Instance: This is a fully managed PaaS solution that allows you to move existing applications to the cloud with minimal modifications.
Steps for license selection and action
For a smooth transition, it is important to first map out your current environment and license position. The following steps can help you make the right choice:
- Perform an inventory of your SQL Server environments and licenses.
- Assess your Software Assurance status and check if you qualify for ESUs at no additional cost.
- Consider migration options and choose the solution that fits your business needs and licensing settings.
- Document all licenses and ensure you meet the appropriate conditions for the chosen migration or ESU option.
Conclusion and call to action
It is critical that you take action before July 8, 2025 if you are still using SQL Server 2012. Whether you choose the ESU program or a migration to Azure or SQL Server 2022, we are here to help you make the right licensing choices.
Do not wait any longer! ESU program costs will continue to rise, and delays could result in increased costs and risks. Contact us today to discuss your licensing options and make a safe transition to a future-proof solution!