AWS Migrations: Why Now is the Right Time to Modernize Your Microsoft Windows Environment

The End of Support (EOS) for SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 is approaching — July 9, 2019 and January 14, 2020, respectively, including Release 2 versions as well. No new patches or security updates means exposure to cyber attacks, as well as the risk of non-compliance with regulatory bodies and new legislation.

This means that now isbe the perfect time to outline a migration plan for moving your legacy systems to Amazon Web Services (AWS). This is not just reactive approach. The switch to AWS actually offers several benefits as outlined further below.

Why AWS for Microsoft Applications?

AWS offers a broad set of global compute, database, application, and deployment services that use Microsoft technologies or are designed to work with Microsoft technologies. You also get a comprehensive set of management tools for your Microsoft Windows Server workloads. For example, EC2 Run Command helps you automate administrative tasks across a large fleet of instances.

Additionally, AWS provides standardized versions of later Microsoft releases that can be quickly provisioned in order to start migrating workloads to currently supported releases.

IDC research shows that over 57% of Windows workloads are run on AWS, almost 2X more than the next leading provider. So, whether you are a corporate IT department, a small business, or Microsoft developer, AWS is a proven and reliable cloud platform on which to develop and deploy your enterprise Microsoft applications.

Specifically, in the context of SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008, AWS offers the following:

1. For Windows Server 2008, AWS offers a secure, and reliable cloud-computing platform optimized for Windows-based workloads. It is a familiar, cost-effective, and fully automated environment that can be provisioned quickly, scaling up or down depending on needs, and provides extensive options for hardware, software and purchasing configurations. Read more here.
2. For SQL Server 2008, there are a variety of options you can consider. You can bring and run your own Microsoft SQL Server perpetual license. You can select from a number of Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) that include Microsoft SQL Server. You can also use Amazon Relational Database Service (Amazon RDS) for SQL Server to avoid time-consuming database management tasks. Read more here.

Benefits of Deploying on AWS

• Reduce costs associated with your Microsoft applications. With AWS’ pay-as-you-go pricing model, you pay only for the resources you use, and scale up and down based on demand. AWS helps you save money on your existing Microsoft application investments with options to bring your own licenses (BYOL). For new applications, you can also purchase Windows Server licenses with your EC2 Instance purchase. With AWS-managed services such as Amazon for RDS SQL Server, you reduce the cost and overhead of managing Microsoft applications.
• Simplify procurement with flexible purchasing options. You can purchase Microsoft software licenses including Windows Server and SQL Server directly through AWS. You can also bring your own licenses for the Microsoft applications you already own and Amazon EC2 Dedicated Hosts will help you maintain license compliance.
• Reduce technical debt: When you migrate to AWS, you are no longer tied to your legacy technologies. You are essentially, future-proofing yourself without worrying about how to maintain and work with older (possibly outdated) infrastructure.
• Leverage a Hybrid Cloud Approach. This doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing situation. You can use AWS as a natural extension of your existing data center. This way, you reduce your technical debt over a timeline aligned with your corporate strategy.
• Improve security posture of your applications: You can ensure your data is protected with end-to-end encryption. AWS Direct Connect and Amazon VPC helps you establish a networking approach with multiple layers of security, including dedicated physical connectivity, logical isolation, security groups, and access control lists.
• Get world-class end-to-end support for your business. There is no compression algorithm for experience. AWS Support and AWS Professional Services are among the most experienced experts on running Microsoft applications in the cloud.
• Optimize post-migration: Moving to AWS is not just about moving to the cloud and reducing costs. With experts (like here at Mission), you can also optimize your environment for performance. You can have your cake and eat it too.

Make the Move today

By deploying your applications on AWS’ fully managed infrastructure, you free your resources and capital to focus on your core competencies and winning in your markets.

Don’t wait till Windows and SQL servers reach the end of their useful lines before you make the switch. We’ll work with you to understand your existing infrastructure and to outline a migration plan aligned with your critical business and technology objectives, getting you to AWS quickly and efficiently.

Talk to one of our specialists today.
Call 855-MISSION (855-647-7466)
sales@missioncloud.com