With the additional Extended Support, Windows Server and SQL Server customers now get 16 years of total support. Microsoft points out that normal support is five years for Mainstream and five years for Extended support. Microsoft says it introduced Windows Server and SQL Server Premium Assurance to offer more flexibility. The company launched Windows Server Premium Assurance back in December, albeit for a scheduled release in early 2017. “This helps you continue to meet compliance requirements and ensure security on systems you aren’t ready to update. Furthermore, greater peace of mind on those applications allows you to focus your energy on the applications more core to your digital transformation,” said Mark Jewett, Senior Director of Cloud Platform Marketing. The new offerings allow customers to sustain important applications longer, while staying compliant with regulations. Because of this support, Microsoft is also ensuring the Server services remain secure for six more years. “Premium Assurance is available for both Windows Server and SQL Server, which helps you sustain key scenarios that might require older versions of Windows Server and SQL Server. For example:
A legacy ERP system that is heavily integrated with other systems Critical applications that cannot support the down time required for updates Custom applications that might be working fine and would be expensive to rearchitect Industry-specific applications not yet offered as cloud-based solutions”
Windows Server Premium Assurance
Microsoft says customers will save more money the sooner they get the new Premium Assurance products. Indeed, purchasing before June 2017 will result in a saving of up to 60 percent. The offerings are presented in the form of an add-on to Software Assurance. The company points out that Premium Assurance must be bought separately for all servers with active Software Assurance.
