So the question should now be...

"Why wouldn't you want to run SQL Server in Azure?"

OK, I agree running Microsoft on Microsoft makes practical sense...

What's the first thing I should look at?

A good place to start would be any remaining ‘SQL Server 2008’ databases.

SQL Server 2008 will reach 'End of Extended Support' on 9th July 2019, from this date Microsoft will stop providing security updates and critical fixes for this version. This could prove to be a real problem as many legacy and 3rd party applications are still running on SQL 2008 with no upgrade support from venders.

However, it's not all doom and gloom... if you migrate your SQL Server 2008 database into Azure,  Microsoft will provide you with a further 3 years of Extended Support or indefinitely - depending on how you migrate your environment. 

Great News!

We've got you covered.

These are the options available to help you upgrade and adopt the innovative technologies you need to carry your organisation into the future.

Migrate to Azure with free security updates

• Rehost your SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 with few or no application code changes in Azure SQL Database Managed Instance for a “version-free” platform.
• Or, move to Azure Virtual Machines to get three years of Extended Security Updates at no additional charge and upgrade to a newer version when ready.
• Use existing licenses and save up to 55 percent with Azure Hybrid Benefit.

Upgrade on-premises and stay protected