Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 and SQL Server 2008 R2: End of Support options

First things first:  If you’re a Hoster licensing software consumption through a Service Provider Licensing Agreement (see below for possible ISV alternative), you have no programmatic way to buy End of Support
Updates (ESU).  That said, here are 2 possible workarounds:

Azure

Migrating your hosted Windows Servers and SQL Servers to Azure will not only provide you with the ability to scale and reduce costs but, more importantly, you will receive free extended security patches by moving your workloads.  The CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) program is the ideal way to facilitate the licensing and procurement steps of an Azure migration.  Keep in mind that through CSP there are possible limits and compliance implications with multitenant solutions, hybrid cloud, etc. 

Let us know if you have any Azure Extended Support questions or if you would like for us to review a specific scenario.  We can ensure that your proposal is optimized and fully compliant.

Client Procured ESU

Unlike the Azure migration option above, where a Service Provider maintains control over licensing the entire hosted solution and support, this scenario puts the onus on the end customer to procure Extend Support Updates.  Whether the server environment is fully licensed by the hoster through a SPLA or partially, with SQL Server reassigned under the License Mobility through Software Assurance benefit, the client will have to work with their reseller/Microsoft and purchase ESU through an Enterprise Agreement or a Server and Cloud Enrollment.  The cost for the Extended Support Updates is roughly 75% of a full perpetual license price
annually and the licenses are subject to a 16 Core minimum for Windows Server and 4 Core minimum for SQL Server.

Even though the responsibility for obtaining ESU in the scenario lies with the client it’s important to identify
the appropriate number of Cores and to look for ways of optimizing your end of support workloads.  Also, you and your client may find that the support costs are unsustainable, at which point we recommend a Cloud Economic Assessment to help evaluate and justify an Azure migration.

ISV Option

Independent Software Vendors are in a unique position in that their hosted unified solutions can be licensed through traditional volume licensing programs and, in particular, the Self-Hosted ISV software assurance benefit.  As the licensee of traditional volume licenses, ISVs can procure Extended Support Updates directly through an Enterprise Agreement or a Server and Cloud Enrollment.

Whether you want to explore your Extended Support options, a Cloud Economic Assessment or determine if you qualify to licensing your solution under Hosted ISV, we’d be happy to help.

Email us at info@altariscloud.com or click the button below to schedule a free consultation.

From your Microsoft Licensing Experts at Altaris Cloud