What are your options?
As of the 9th of July 2024, Microsoft will no longer offer support for SQL Server 2014. There are multiple options for you to consider:
- Do nothing.
- Migrate to a newer version.
- Migrate to Azure and receive Extended Security Updates (ESU)
- Buy Extended Support through the traditional ESU-License
- Buy Extended Support through Azure Arc
Migrate to Azure, and get Extended Security Updates at no additional cost
Could you migrate your SQL Server 2014 to Azure? Extended Security Updates are available for free in Azure for SQL Server 2014 and 2012 and Windows Server 2012. These Security Updates are available for 3 years after the end-of-support date. When you plan to move the Databases to Azure also have a look into the license options such as Hybrid Benefit to save additional cost!
Buy Extended Support
Buy Extended Support through the traditional ESU License.
ESU licenses are available through your license agreements EA, EAS, SCE, MPSA, and CSP. The ESU license follows the same license model as your normal SQL Server License. In other words, it’s a per-core license with a minimum of 4 cores per server or VM.
The license from a list price perspective is most cost-effective in the SCE agreement. This is due to the fact that customers receive a 5% additional discount on their standardized workloads in the SCE. An alternative is the MPSA where you could leverage international pricelists.
Buy Extended Support through Azure Arc
Last year, Microsoft introduced a new method to license Extended Security Updates (ESU), which is through Azure Arc. Servers that are connected with Azure Arc are eligible to opt-in for the Azure Arc license model. The license model offers more flexibility, since you don’t buy the license annually but monthly. Azure Arc also offers a more cost-effective ESU license model for Windows Server. For SQL, the license model itself is equal to the traditional license.
Rules of the Game
For customers who sign up after the end of support date, July 9, 2024, you will receive a one-time bill-back charge from the start of the Extended Security Updates year to your actual start date.
Customers will require a Software Assurance (SA) or an equivalent subscription to be eligible to buy the associated ESU. Perpetual licenses only don’t qualify. However, a customer doesn’t require SA or subscription to utilize ESUs with license-included services purchased from CSP-Hosters.
Pricing
When we compare list pricing of Azure Arc with the traditional license option you could save up to 15%. In addition to that you save the number of months that you have migrated your workload before the annual date, 9th of June.
How do I install ESU updates?
On Azure: Applicable virtual machines (VMs) hosted in Azure are automatically enabled for ESUs if the VM is configured to receive updates, and these updates are provided free of charge.
On-premises/hybrid: Customers can install ESUs by accessing their multiple activation keys through the M365 Admin Center portal or directly installing ESUs through Azure Arc-enabled servers. Learn more about the installation details here for Windows Server and here for SQL Server installation.
