SQL Server 2016 is no longer supported. Is your business ready for what comes next?
SQL Server version 1.0 was released was released April 24, 1989. Twenty-seven years later, SQL Server 2016 was released June 1, 2016. As of July 14, 2026, SQL Server 2016 is no longer supported by Microsoft. SQL Server 2017 has only one year of support left as EOL For SQL Server 2017 is October 12, 2027.
SQL Server 2016 brought Always Encrypted (end-to-end encryption), native JSON support, In-Memory OLTP to improve performance and Query Store for performance tuning. Just as SQL Server 2016 brought in new innovations, it leaves with continuing innovations in its replacements. SQL Server introduced native cross-platform support for Linux and Docker containers, in-database Python & R and resumable online index rebuilds.
Microsoft options include –
Moving to Azure
Azure SQL Managed Instance
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
Upgrade to SQL Server 2022 or 2025
Performance and engine updates
Intelligent Query Processing (IQP) optimizations
Integrated Machine Learning
Built-in AI features
Security and data protection
Integration into Microsoft Fabric
Deploy Extended Security Updates (ESU)
An extended paid security update platform until you can migrate.
A temporary bridge to allow migration into Azure or a more modern on-premises version.
No matter which path you choose, the Moser DBA team is here to ensure a successful transition. With over 50 combined years of SQL Server experience, our DBAs support legacy on-premises environments as well as modern deployments — both on-premises and in the cloud.
SQL Server migrations and upgrades are available as part of our Data Management as a Service package, or through short-term time-and-materials contracts. Whatever your needs, we'd love to help — reach out to us to get started.
