SQL Server

Outsourced SQL Server DBA: tested updates, verified backups and supported versions

In many companies SQL Server runs accounting, production and industry software. We administer it as an outsourced service or alongside your IT team: updates tested first on a copy, verified restores, measured performance. And we plan the move off versions that are leaving Microsoft support well ahead of time.

Let’s talk about your SQL Server Versions and support dates

Timeline of Microsoft support for SQL Server from 2014 to 2025, with today’s date. The dates are in the table on this page. — Dates from the Microsoft lifecycle, consulted on 7 November 2026

Versions and deadlines: taken from the lifecycle Microsoft publishes
Tested updates: first on a copy, then in the agreed window
Tested recovery: with the timings recorded

01 · copy the link to this sectionReference box

SQL Server versions and the end of Microsoft support

Updated 7 November 2026

In short: SQL Server 2014 and 2016 are out of Microsoft support. SQL Server 2017 leaves it in October 2027. If you run these versions, the time to prepare the move is now.

SQL Server versions

Version	Mainstream support	Extended support	What to do
SQL Server 2014	Ended in July 2019	Ended in July 2024	Move to a supported version. Paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) run until July 2027 at the latest
SQL Server 2016	Ended in July 2021	Ended in July 2026	Move to a supported version. Paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) run until July 2029 at the latest
SQL Server 2017	Ended in October 2022	Until October 2027	Prepare the move now
SQL Server 2019	Ended in February 2025	Until January 2030	Security fixes only. Choose the target version calmly
SQL Server 2022	Until January 2028	Until January 2033	Keep updates current
SQL Server 2025	Available since November 2025, until January 2031	Until January 2036	A possible target, once the ERP vendor confirms support

What this means: during mainstream support Microsoft fixes bugs and security issues. During extended support it fixes security issues only. After that, for some versions, it offers Extended Security Updates (ESU), a paid subscription to security updates for up to three years.

These dates apply to the database. The ERP running on it may have its own deadlines: check them with its vendor.

Sources (consulted on 7 November 2026)

02 · copy the link to this sectionThe situation

Out of support, the database still works. The risk grows anyway

An expired version does not stop the next day. It stops receiving fixes.

Nothing changes the day after the deadline. The database answers and the ERP keeps working. But the weaknesses found from that day on stay open, and in the meantime they become public.

Then the question comes from outside. The ERP vendor stops supporting the version. A customer’s security questionnaire asks which systems no longer receive updates.

DBA

No more fixes

New weaknesses stay open.

DBA

Customer questionnaires

They ask which systems are not being updated.

DBA

Moving under pressure

A rushed upgrade costs more.

03 · copy the link to this sectionWhat we do

SQL Server support, item by item

You can hand over everything or just part of it: routine management, a version upgrade, a specific piece of work.

DBARoutine management Administration and updates Space, scheduled jobs, error logs. Microsoft cumulative updates are tested on a copy and applied in the agreed window.

DBABackups Backups and recovery The backup plan starts from two questions: how long work can stop and how much data can be lost. Restore tests run on a schedule and are written up.

DBAPerformance Performance Slow queries, missing or useless indexes, out-of-date statistics. We measure before and after every change.

DBAAvailability A second server ready to go Where needed, a second server kept in sync so you can restart quickly. The setup depends on your edition and licences.

DBAVersions

Version upgrades

From 2014, 2016 or 2017 to a supported version. First we check that the ERP supports it, then we test everything on a copy. Versions and support dates

DBASecurity

Database security

Accounts with too many privileges, shared logins, access nobody records. We put them in order with least privilege and access logging. Cybersecurity

04 · copy the link to this sectionHow we work

How to move to a newer version without surprises

Five steps. The date is set only after the ERP vendor has answered.

Inventory

Versions and editions in use, databases, connected applications, scheduled jobs.

Check with the vendor

Which version the ERP supports. Without this answer, no date is set.

Trial on a copy

A copy moves to the new version and the people who use the ERP test the main functions.

Move in the agreed window

With a verified backup behind it and the way back to the original system planned and tested.

Checks afterwards

Performance, scheduled jobs and backups are checked in the following days.

How long is the downtime?: It depends on volumes, edition and applications. It is reduced and agreed beforehand, not eliminated.
Cloud or your own servers?: We compare the options on the same figures: licences, fees, backups, downtime of the move.

What an outsourced DBA service covers

05 · copy the link to this sectionPrinciples

What we don’t do

We do not change version without the ERP vendor’s confirmation.
We do not use features your licensed edition does not include.
We do not advise on licence contracts with Microsoft. The technical snapshot yes, the negotiation stays with the company.
We do not touch production without a verified backup and a planned way back.

06 · copy the link to this sectionFrequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about SQL Server

When does support end for SQL Server 2016, 2017 and 2019?

SQL Server 2016 left Microsoft extended support in July 2026. SQL Server 2017 leaves it in October 2027 and SQL Server 2019 in January 2030. These are the dates in the lifecycle Microsoft publishes, consulted on 7 November 2026.
All versions and support dates

What happens if we stay on an unsupported version?

The database keeps working, but it no longer receives security fixes. For some versions Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates, a paid subscription to security updates for up to three years. They buy time while the move is prepared.

Can we move to a new version without stopping the ERP?

Downtime can be reduced to a short window agreed in advance, but not eliminated. Everything is tested first on a copy, with the people who use the ERP. The way back to the original system is prepared and tested before the move.

Can we commission a single piece of work, without a retainer?

Yes. For example a slow database or a version upgrade. We work from a written proposal for that piece of work only.

How much does SQL Server support cost?

It depends on how many servers and databases, which versions and editions, and how much routine work. There is no price list. The first conversation carries no commitment. If there is work to be done, you receive a written proposal for the initial assessment, usually one or two days of work with the people involved. After the assessment comes the proposal for the project, with phases, timing and costs.

07 · copy the link to this sectionObservatory

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08 · copy the link to this sectionContact

Let’s talk about your SQL Server

A few lines: version and edition if you know them, the ERP that runs on it, what is wrong, any deadlines. We reply by email, usually within two working days.

We work on site in San Marino, Romagna, the Marche and Emilia, and remotely across Italy. Where we work

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Or write to us:WhatsApp staff@strategic.sm

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