Alibaba Cloud no longer provides new patches for ApsaraDB RDS instances that run SQL Server 2008 R2. This change took effect on July 09, 2019.
Background
Microsoft ended free patches and security updates for SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 on July 09, 2019. After that date, Microsoft offers only paid Extended Security Updates for up to three years, covering Security Updates and Security Bulletins rated "critical."
Alibaba Cloud stopped providing new patches for ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server instances running SQL Server 2008 R2 from the same date.
Effective date
July 09, 2019
Risks of continuing to run SQL Server 2008 R2
Running SQL Server 2008 R2 without patches exposes your applications and workloads to the following risks:
Security vulnerabilities: Unpatched kernel issues may be exploited. Alibaba Cloud is not responsible for failures, security risks, incompatibility issues, or other high-impact problems caused by SQL Server 2008 R2 kernel defects.
Application incompatibility: Applications and workloads may encounter incompatibility issues.
Compliance issues: Running an unpatched, end-of-support database version may create compliance issues for your organization.
Other security threats: Possible security threats caused by some non-functional risks.
Impact by instance type
| Instance type | Impact | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Existing RDS instances | Existing RDS instances are not affected. | Migrate to an RDS instance running a later SQL Server version. See Create an ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server instance and Restore the data of an ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server instance. Note If you continue to use RDS instances that run SQL Server 2008 R2, security risks may arise in your applications and workloads. Alibaba Cloud is not responsible for the issues because these issues are not caused by Alibaba Cloud services. You are responsible for the risks and consequences if any. |
| New RDS instances | SQL Server 2008 R2 instances are no longer available for purchase. | Purchase an RDS instance that runs a later SQL Server version. |
Migrate to a supported SQL Server version
To eliminate the risks of running SQL Server 2008 R2, migrate your workload to a later SQL Server version:
Create an ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server instance running a supported SQL Server version.
Restore the data of an ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server instance to move your data to the new instance.
Impact and recommendations
Category | Impact | Recommendations |
Existing instances | The operation of your existing instances is not immediately affected. | Purchase an instance that runs a later major version and restore data to the new instance. Note Continuing to use ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server 2008 R2 may expose you to risks. Alibaba Cloud is not liable for issues not caused by Alibaba Cloud services. You are solely responsible for any resulting consequences. |
New instances | ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server 2008 R2 instances are no longer available for purchase. | Purchase an available instance that runs a supported major version. |