WARDY IT Announces $2 Million Migration Sweetener as Microsoft SQL Server Support Deadline Approaches
As Microsoft plans to decommission support for SQL Server 2008/R2 on-premise environments by early July 2019, national SQL Server Consultants, WARDY IT Solutions, has announced the introduction of an initiative that extends far beyond a promotional incentive.
With the launch of the company’s new Azure Navigator migration pathway today at the ‘Microsoft Ignite | The Tour’ in Sydney, WARDY IT Solutions has committed to absorbing some $2million in service fees to assist companies accelerate the migration of legacy infrastructure to cloud – a process that will ensure security and significantly improve IT agility.
WARDY IT Solutions’ Managing Director, Mr Peter Ward, said some 52% of the marketplace is still running SQL Server 2008 or below, which represents a dangerous predicament for
Australian businesses. “There appears to be a certain amount of gravity associated with upgrading older environments in Australia and a somewhat unsubstantiated perception that an upgrade can
prove risky, costly and disruptive,” he said. “This is unquestionably a false economy as, with the decommissioning of another server version, the number of Australian companies now being exposed is critical.”
Microsoft has slowly been removing server support for on-premise hosting, with mainstream support for SQL Server 2005, 2008 and 2008 R2 having been removed in 2014, and full support for SQL Server 2005 ending in 2016. On 9 July 2019 all extended support will be eradicated, including critical security updates.
Data migration is a process that can generally cost in the vicinity of $40,000 to $50,000. However, the Azure Navigator initiative includes an offer to remove the entire cost to the first 50 expressions of interests.
Azure Navigator comprises of a four-step process that assesses, envisions, builds and modernises Data Platform workloads by migrating to the cloud. It comes with three-year extended support and is executed by Microsoft Certified and highly experienced Data Platform Consultants.
Mr Brett Shoemaker, Director, Cloud & Enterprise, Microsoft Australia, said cloud migration and modernisation has an array of benefits for business. “Technology is rapidly evolving and there’s increased pressure on its potential to enable businesses to remain relevant and get ahead in today’s environment. Modernisation is not only a way to help reduce costs, but it is an important step in supporting businesses to accelerate innovation and embark on digital transformation,” he said.
“With end-of-service for SQL Server 2008 approaching later this year, now is the time to for IT managers and business owners to think about the necessary steps to modernise. This will help improve security and meet compliance regulations, gain richer insights from dispersed data, add intelligence and transform their applications.”
“It is naive to think that organisations can continue to enjoy optimal functionality on the back of legacy infrastructure, or that Microsoft can support the software indefinitely. The irony, of course, is that the older environments attract a lot of frustration and require inordinate amounts of time on maintenance,” Mr Ward continued.
“The removal of support for SQL Server 2008/2008 R2 will undoubtedly result in significant repercussions for those who choose to do nothing. As a Gold Microsoft Partner, we believe we have an obligation to create a catalyst to accelerate the migration process.”
For more information on WARDY IT Solutions’ Azure Navigator program visit wardy.group/azure.
For more information contact:
Amanda Fay
Media Liaison
P. 0408 807 870
E. Amanda @afay.net.au
About WARDY IT Solutions
WARDY IT Solutions is recognised as Australia’s leading provider of Data Platform consultants, trainers and Data Analytics specialists. WARDY IT Solutions has been recognised through numerous prestigious awards.
As well as winning a MAPA award since 2009 the company won the 2013 Microsoft Global Data Platform Partner of the Year Award, and the HP and Microsoft Frontline Partner Award in 2016. Their Virtual DBA service has been recognised by the AIIA National iAwards and Anthill Top 100 SMART Innovation Index.
Lead by Founder and Managing Director Peter Ward, the company specialises in enabling clients to maximize their investment in data assets through innovative Microsoft Data Platform and Data Analytics solutions.
Contact:
WARDY IT Solutions
Brisbane Head Office
164 Wharf Street Spring Hill QLD 4000 Australia
Phone: 1300 WARDY IT (1300 927 394)
International Phone +61 7 3054 5300