It’s often said a picture is worth a thousand words, and in the tech world, sometimes a GIF says even more. Take this one for example:
If that image resonates with you, especially if you’re involved with databases, it’s likely because you understand the underlying message loud and clear: running SQL Server 2012 in production in [current year] is increasingly becoming a meme – and not a good one. While humor can soften the blow, the reality is stark.
SQL Server 2012 End of Life: The Clock is Ticking
Let’s cut to the chase. SQL Server 2012 reached its official end of extended support on July 12th of this year. Yes, you read that right. This year. Forget about mainstream support ending years ago; we’re talking about the absolute end of the extended support phase.
While extended security updates (ESU) might offer a temporary patch for critical security vulnerabilities for a limited time, relying on them is not a long-term strategy. Think of ESUs as life support, not a cure. Within a few months, your SQL Server 2012 instances will be completely unsupported. Calling Microsoft support might offer some best-effort assistance, but don’t be surprised when the primary recommendation – or only viable solution – is to upgrade to a more recent, supported version of SQL Server.
And honestly, is that really an unreasonable expectation? SQL Server 2012 is now over a decade old. In the fast-paced world of technology, ten years is an eternity.
SQL Server 2012: From Groundbreaking to Outdated – A Version Comparison
It’s easy to look back and label older software versions as inherently “bad.” But let’s be fair to SQL Server 2012. At its launch, it was far from a bad version. In fact, it was a significant step forward, especially when compared to its predecessors, SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2. While my review of 2008 R2 highlighted its incremental nature, SQL Server 2012 brought substantial changes.
The introduction of Always On Availability Groups in SQL Server 2012 was a game-changer, revolutionizing high availability and disaster recovery strategies. Though the initial implementation had its complexities, the concept was groundbreaking. Similarly, columnstore indexes, while initially having limitations like being read-only, represented a forward-thinking approach to data warehousing and analytical workloads.
These features, despite their initial shortcomings, were foundational technologies that Microsoft has continued to develop and refine in subsequent versions. Today, in more recent SQL Server versions, both Always On Availability Groups and columnstore indexes are robust and widely adopted features.
However, the key phrase here is “in more recent versions.” This is where the “bad version” comparison becomes relevant. While SQL Server 2012 was innovative in its time, technology has moved on. Compared to current, supported versions of SQL Server, 2012 is now lacking in performance enhancements, security features, and modern functionalities.
Running SQL Server 2012 in 2023 is akin to using a phone from 2012 – it might still make calls, but you’re missing out on a decade of improvements in speed, features, and security.
Stop Running SQL Server 2012: It’s a Business Risk
Let’s be blunt: continuing to run SQL Server 2012 in production today is not just outdated – it’s a business risk. It’s time to have a serious conversation with stakeholders. A simple, direct question can start this crucial discussion: “Is it acceptable for application [insert application name] to operate on an unsupported version of SQL Server?”
The answer, in most cases, should be a resounding “no.” Ignoring the end-of-life deadline isn’t just a technical oversight; it’s a decision with potential security, compliance, and operational consequences. Upgrade planning might seem daunting, but the risks of staying on SQL Server 2012 far outweigh the perceived challenges of migration. Don’t let your SQL Server infrastructure become a meme for the wrong reasons. Take action now and upgrade to a supported and secure version of SQL Server.
