What to Expect When Upgrading From SQL Server 2019

Upgrading from SQL Server 2019 is more than a routine task—it’s a necessary move to keep your organization secure, compliant, and prepared for modern data demands. With Microsoft ending support for SQL Server 2019, businesses still relying on this version face growing risks and increasing maintenance burdens. Here’s what you can expect when planning your upgrade and why SQL Server 2022 is a reliable next step.

Why the End of Support Truly Matters

When support ends, Microsoft no longer provides critical security updates. That means your systems are exposed to vulnerabilities that could lead to interruptions, breaches, or even data loss. As highlighted in the document, no security updates means your business is at a much higher risk of cyber threats.

Compliance is another major concern. Without ongoing support, your organization may fail to meet industry regulations, which can lead to serious penalties—especially for businesses operating under strict standards like GDPR. The infographic emphasizes that unsupported SQL Server environments may fall out of compliance, creating both operational and legal complications.

On top of that, maintaining legacy firewalls, intrusion systems, and servers becomes costly. Older tools require more attention and often need additional resources to stay functional. Over time, keeping SQL Server 2019 in place becomes far more expensive than upgrading.

Why SQL Server 2022 Is a Meaningful Upgrade

When you upgrade to SQL Server 2022, you’re not just getting a newer version—you’re getting a platform designed for modern workloads. According to the document, SQL Server 2022 brings:

• In-memory performance across workloads, helping your organization run faster and more efficiently
• Mission-critical high availability to reduce downtime and support business continuity
• End-to-end mobile BI, allowing teams to access insights anywhere
• In-database advanced analytics, enabling deeper analysis without moving data
• Integrated security features that protect data at rest and in motion

SQL Server 2022 is also supported on Linux and Docker, giving teams more flexibility in how they deploy and manage databases.

We work with organizations to make sure they get the right tools and the right upgrade path for their needs.

Choosing an Upgrade Path That Fits Your Business

Modernizing your platform doesn’t look the same for every organization. The document outlines several upgrade scenarios, each offering different levels of cost, control, and administration:

• PaaS & SaaS options like Azure SQL Database
• Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) using SQL Server in Azure VM
• Virtualized environments such as private clouds
• Physical servers for organizations that prefer raw hardware

This flexibility lets you select the right balance between performance, cost, and operational oversight.

A Closer Look at New Compliance-Ready Features

SQL Server 2022 introduces features that directly support modern compliance needs, including GDPR requirements. The PDF highlights several updates that help organizations stay aligned with security standards and reduce risk:

• Metadata and full-text queries for identifying sensitive or personal data
• Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and Always Encrypted for protecting data at rest, in transit, and in use
• Role-based access control for governing who can access what
• Row-level security and dynamic data masking to limit exposure of sensitive data
• SQL Server Audit for maintaining reliable audit trails
• Vulnerability assessments to scan for insecure configurations and potential threats

These improvements help organizations manage, protect, track, and report on data more reliably, all of which are core components of GDPR compliance.

The Bottom Line

Upgrading from SQL Server 2019 isn’t just about staying current—it’s about minimizing risk, reducing costs, strengthening compliance, and giving your team a more capable and secure data platform. SQL Server 2022 provides the performance, flexibility, and protection your business needs.

If you need guidance through the upgrade process, we’re here to help you choose the right approach and ensure a smooth transition.

Microsoft has a number of products that evolve over time. SQL Server 2008 is no exception. That's why it's time to upgrade. With SQL Server 2017, you don't just get an update--you get in-memory performance across workloads, mission-critical high availability, end-to-end mobile BI, and in-database advanced analytics with security features. At Precision Computer Methods Inc., we're here to help you get the right tools for the job. Contact us to find out more.

View: Upgrade to avoid end of support for SQL Server 2008