Sites using MS SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008

The upcoming end of support milestones for the 2008 releases of Microsoft SQL Server database (July 2019) and Microsoft Windows Server operating system (January 2020) presents an opportunity to begin investigating your upgrade options.

End of support means the end of regular security updates. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and frequent, running apps and data on unsupported versions can create significant security and compliance risks.

Best Practice Software recommends liaising with your IT Specialists to review your potential upgrade paths. Information regarding System Requirements for Bp Premier can be found here.

SQL Server

Bp Premier is currently supported on SQL Server up to version 2016. Upgrading to SQL Server 2016 is a free upgrade for any sites still utilising an Express edition of SQL Server.

SQL Server 2016 supports upgrade from the following versions of SQL Server:

  • SQL Server 2008 SP4 or later
  • SQL Server 2008 R2 SP3 or later
  • SQL Server 2012 (11.x) SP2 or later
  • SQL Server 2014 (12.x) or later

Instructions on upgrading to SQL Server 2016 can be found here.

Windows Server

Server 2008 and 2008 R2 will require an upgrade to a newer supported operating system. Best Practice Software recommend liaising with your IT experts regarding this upgrade, as there may be a need to review and upgrade your hardware as part of this upgrade.

The following Microsoft Knowledge Base links provide more information on upgrading to Windows Server 2016:

NOTE  Please note that as with any upgrade to major infrastructure, there may be a need to schedule any required downtime, costs, etc.