Mm, what's that smell, Microsoft SQL Server 2005? Yes, it's death

Six months left before end-of-life, warns Redmond

Microsoft is once again warning administrators that the end-of-life date for SQL Server 2005 is now just six months away.

Redmond on Tuesday sent out a reminder to companies that its 2005 database server edition will officially be considered out of support on April 12, 2016. This means SQL Server 2005 systems will no longer be able to receive free security patches from Microsoft for fixes.

While extended support can be had at a cost, Microsoft would rather customers simply update from SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2014. In sounding off the six month warning, Redmond made the sales pitch for upgrading to SQL Server 2014.

Among the promised benefits of migrating from 2005 are improved performance, better uptime stability, and better integration with Excel and Power BI. Also, a nice new license for Microsoft.

"In short, SQL Server 2014 delivers a high-performing, advanced data platform that keeps up with modern business needs," wrote Microsoft corporate vice president of cloud and enterprise marketing Takeshi Numoto.

Microsoft has long been warning enterprise customers of the looming end-of-life for SQL Server 2005, and trying to sell them on an upgrade to SQL Server 2014 in the process. Back in April when the one year notice was posted, Microsoft made a similar pitch touting the virtues of the 2014 edition.

Earlier this Summer, Microsoft moved the upcoming SQL Server 2016 into its public preview trials. The new SQL touts improved data security and better integration with Azure. ®