SQL End of Life migration factory offer | Data Exposed
Anna Hoffman explains what SQL Server 2016 end of support in July 2026 means, outlines customer options (including Extended Security Updates), and walks through Microsoft’s zero-cost Cloud Accelerate Factory offering to help teams migrate or modernize onto Azure SQL or newer SQL Server versions.
Overview
Why SQL Server 2016 end of support matters
- SQL Server 2016 reaches end of support in July 2026.
- The discussion highlights that this milestone can involve licensing and cost changes and should be approached as more than a simple “support ends” event.
- The framing is about helping customers move to a more secure and more modern data platform.
Options for customers
- Extended Security Updates (ESU) for short-term needs.
- Modernization paths:
- Move to Azure (including Azure SQL options).
- Upgrade to newer SQL Server versions.
- The intent is to “meet customers where they are” and support a transition at the customer’s pace.
Getting started: Cloud Accelerate Factory (zero-cost assistance)
- Microsoft offers a “white glove” engagement through the Cloud Accelerate Factory at zero cost to customers to help with migration/modernization.
Resources
- Jumpstart Azure projects with zero-cost deployment assistance: https://aka.ms/Cloud-Accelerate-Factory
- Microsoft Services: Pricing Consistency Update: https://aka.ms/ESUPricingBlog
Links and channels
- Twitter (Anna Hoffman): https://twitter.com/AnalyticAnna
- Twitter (AzureSQL): https://aka.ms/azuresqltw
- Data Exposed playlist: https://aka.ms/dataexposedyt
- Microsoft Azure SQL channel: https://aka.ms/msazuresqlyt
- Microsoft SQL Server channel: https://aka.ms/mssqlserveryt
- Microsoft Developer channel: https://aka.ms/microsoftdeveloperyt