Why Dev Should Care About SQL Server 2017 End of Life

Welcome, Dev! As a developer, you know that technology is constantly evolving, and it’s your job to stay on top of the latest updates and changes. One such change that’s important to be aware of is the end of life for SQL Server 2017. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what this means for you as a developer, and how you can prepare for the future.

What is SQL Server 2017 End of Life?

SQL Server 2017 was released in October 2017, and has been widely used by developers and organizations since then. However, like all software, SQL Server 2017 has a life cycle, and its end of life date is approaching. Specifically, SQL Server 2017 will reach end of mainstream support on October 12, 2021, and end of extended support on October 12, 2026.

What’s the Difference Between Mainstream and Extended Support?

Mainstream support is the period during which Microsoft provides free updates, security fixes, and other support services for a product. Extended support, on the other hand, is the period during which Microsoft continues to provide security fixes for a product, but charges for other support services. After the end of extended support, Microsoft will no longer provide any support or security fixes for the product.

It’s important to note that SQL Server 2017 will still be usable after its end of life date, but without any support or security updates from Microsoft, it will become more vulnerable to security threats and other issues over time.

Why Should Dev Care About SQL Server 2017 End of Life?

As a developer, there are several reasons why you should care about the end of life for SQL Server 2017:

1. Security Risks

Without regular security updates from Microsoft, SQL Server 2017 will become more vulnerable to security threats, such as data breaches and cyber attacks. This could put sensitive data at risk, which could harm your organization’s reputation and result in legal and financial repercussions.

2. Compatibility Issues

If you continue to use SQL Server 2017 after its end of life date, you may encounter compatibility issues with other software and applications that you use. This could result in functionality issues, performance problems, and other technical difficulties that could impact your work.

3. Lack of Support

Without support from Microsoft, it will be more difficult to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with SQL Server 2017. This could lead to longer downtime, more expensive support costs, and other challenges that could impact your productivity and efficiency as a developer.

What Are Your Options for SQL Server 2017 End of Life?

Now that you understand why SQL Server 2017 end of life is important, let’s explore your options:

1. Upgrade to a Supported Version

The most straightforward option is to upgrade to a supported version of SQL Server, such as SQL Server 2019 or Azure SQL Database. This will ensure that you continue to receive security updates and support services from Microsoft, and will also provide you with access to new features and capabilities.

2. Purchase Extended Support

If you’re not yet ready to upgrade to a new version of SQL Server, you can purchase extended support from Microsoft to continue receiving security updates and support services. However, this option can be expensive, and support will only be available for a limited time.

3. Migrate to Another Platform

If you’re looking for a change, you can migrate to another platform, such as MySQL or PostgreSQL. However, this will require some time and effort to re-architect your applications, and you may encounter compatibility issues with existing code.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about SQL Server 2017 end of life:

Q: Can I continue to use SQL Server 2017 after its end of life date?

A: Yes, you can continue to use SQL Server 2017, but without any support or security updates from Microsoft.

Q: When is SQL Server 2017 end of life?

A: SQL Server 2017 will reach end of mainstream support on October 12, 2021, and end of extended support on October 12, 2026.

Q: What are the risks of using SQL Server 2017 after its end of life date?

A: The risks include security vulnerabilities, compatibility issues, and lack of support from Microsoft.

Q: What are my options if I’m still using SQL Server 2017?

A: Your options include upgrading to a supported version of SQL Server, purchasing extended support, or migrating to another platform.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SQL Server 2017 end of life is an important issue for developers to be aware of. Without regular support and security updates from Microsoft, SQL Server 2017 will become more vulnerable to security threats and other issues over time. As a developer, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest software and technology updates, and plan for the future accordingly.