New Lifecycle Dates for Oracle and SQL Server
Bill Rehm, ATS - Database Lead
In the next 12 months, several versions of Oracle and SQL Server databases will stop being supported or will require additional fees to continue receiving support.
Are the "software police" going to come break down your door and fine you if you pass that date? Well, probably not. Will your database vendor refuse to support you if you’re not paid up? Almost certainly.
Unsupported Database Versions
The databases listed below are still in use today, but they aren’t supported at all by the vendor. If you have any problems you’re on your own. Even more seriously, there aren’t any patches available beyond the terminal patch. If any exploits come out that affect these databases, you will not be informed. All database versions earlier than what’s listed below are also unsupported.
• SQL Server 2008 (SP4)
• SQL Server 2008 R2 (SP3)
• Oracle 11.2.0.2.0
• Oracle 11.2.0.3.0
• Oracle 12.1.0.1.0
Databases in Extended Support
When new database versions come out, vendors will often continue to support the older versions so that companies can gracefully migrate to the latest version. Extended support typically has an initial free period but eventually will move to paid support. Microsoft charges an annual fee of 75% of the licensing cost for paid support while Oracle’s fees are variable.
Whether it’s paid or free, the vendor continues to support and patch the database just like they always have. The free support window is meant to put companies on notice that it’s time to think about upgrading. Remaining on a version that is in paid extended support means that you must pay extra money if you want patches, updates, and tech support.
Supported Database Versions
Finally, we get to the good stuff: Databases that are fully supported. These versions are actively patched, enhanced, and validated as part of your already paid license/support fees. Some versions already have planned end-of-life dates, others do not. Remember, the database being supported by the vendor does not mean it is supported by applications you might be using. Be sure to check with your third-party vendors to verify compatibility.
Databases supported by JD Edwards
Many readers of the GSInsider are running JDE applications on their database, and this is a good opportunity to show how vendors support different versions. You will notice that some JDE software versions are certified on unsupported database versions. In some situations, companies must plan to upgrade the database and JDE in order to remain current.
Is your database going out of Extended Support – or has it already been retired? Let us help you! The GSI Database Team upgrades customers to new database versions all the time. We can migrate your unsupported database to a later version with minimal downtime – even if you have a standalone database.
If you have any questions about databases, please email us at inquiries@getgsi.com; or click Contact Us.