Microsoft SQL Server 2012 and 2014 Embedded Reach End of Support (EOS): What Are My Options?

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Embedded was released in March 2012, followed by SQL Server 2014 Embedded in June 2014. Both products had a standard 10-year support lifecycle, and for products sold through the OEM IoT Embedded channel, the support lifecycle was extended to 15 years. Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Embedded reached its end of support in July 2022, and Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Embedded will reach its end on July 9, 2024. While both products are still a few years before end of life (EOL), they will no longer receive security updates or technical support after their end-of-support dates.

Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that invested in a product 10 years ago are now facing a difficult decision as their chosen product approaches its end-of-support date. While these products have provided years of reliable and secure performance, OEMs must now consider their options for the future, given that the products are available until 2027/2028, albeit without support.

Figure: Microsoft SQL Server 2012 and SQL Server 2014 EOL and EOS Dates

The importance of security updates depends on the solution type that an OEM is building. For offline appliance solutions, security updates are less critical, but they are still important. Online solutions, on the other hand, are directly connected to the internet and are therefore at a much higher risk of being attacked. As a result, ongoing support and security updates are essential for online solutions – this is where Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESUs) come into play – providing support beyond the standard 10-year period, extending it by up to three additional years. SQL Server 2012 Embedded offers three-year ESU options for purchase one year at a time or in a three-year bundle.

Extended Security Update Options

Table: Extended Security Update Options and Part #s

If you want extended security updates, contact us at Arrow (windowsiot@arrow.com), and we can quote you on the ESU licenses. It requires purchasing 100 hours of support via an EPSO (Ecosystem Partner Servicing Offering) support agreement with Microsoft and then purchasing the ESU licenses for each SQL server instance that you want to extend the security for.

Apart from extending security updates, another viable option is transitioning to a newer version of SQL Server. You have a few choices but knowing that the 2016 and 2017 editions were the final SQL versions to offer a 15-year lifespan is crucial. Beginning with SQL IoT 2019, Microsoft adopted a 10-year lifecycle, providing only ten years of support and lifespan.

Refer to the comprehensive roadmap below to view the end-of-life (EOL) and end-of-support (EOS) for all the SQL embedded IoT versions. Remember, EOL denotes when the product is no longer manufactured, and an OEM is prohibited from shipping an appliance with a license for that edition. You are, however, permitted to ship a newer version license and continue to use the older version software beyond the EOL date. EOS marks the point when no further security updates, hotfixes, or technical assistance are available.

Figure: SQL Server IoT Roadmap 2024

As of January 2024, upgrading to the most current SQL Server IoT 2022 version provides you with the most extended lifecycle, the most extensive feature set, and the latest security measures. If you have any further questions regarding SQL products, please do not hesitate to contact us at Arrow.