Meet Security & Compliance Standards
Zero
Downtime migrations
Downtime migrations
Online migration with cutover windows under 30 minutes keeps production SQL workloads live throughout.
24/7
Managed support
Managed support
Blocking queries, log file bloat, and TempDB pressure are resolved before they reach your application layer.
99.99%
Availability goals
Availability goals
Always On AG failover, geo-redundancy, and backup policies tuned for availability under real failure conditions.
Migrate to Azure SQL or Upgrade SQL Server 2022 with Ksolves
SQL Server 2016 extended support ends July 14, 2026. After that date, there are no patches, fixes, or security updates, and any vulnerability discovered stays open permanently. Every database running past this deadline is exposed. SOC 2, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA auditors flag unsupported versions, and cyber insurers may void coverage for EOL software entirely. Complex migrations take 6 to 12 months, and the window for a planned SQL Server 2016 EOL migration is narrowing fast.
Ksolves delivers your SQL Server 2016 migration as a fixed-price engagement with a written data accuracy guarantee. You know the cost, timeline, and engineers before signing anything.
Why Enterprises Are Migrating From SQL Server 2016?
Six compounding risks that get worse every day you remain on SQL Server 2016 after the SQL Server 2016 EOL date of July 14, 2026.
Unpatched Security Vulnerabilities
After July 14, every newly discovered CVE goes unpatched permanently. Unpatched database servers are among the top entry points for ransomware and data exfiltration attacks.
Compliance and Audit Exposure
SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR auditors flag unsupported database versions. Cyber insurers are tightening requirements, and running EOL software can void coverage entirely.
Blocked AI Readiness
SQL Server 2022 and Azure SQL include native vector search and AI integrations unavailable in SQL Server 2016. Every month of delay widens the gap versus competitors on modern stacks.
Escalating ESU Costs Extended Security
Updates cover critical patches only, cost more each year (Year 3 costs 300% of Year 1 price), and hard-stop after 3 years. ESU is a delay, not a solution.
Performance and Scalability Gap
SQL Server 2022 delivers Intelligent Query Processing with significant performance improvements for analytical workloads at no code change. Azure SQL provides elastic scaling that on-premises hardware cannot match.
Shrinking Migration Window
Complex SQL Server 2016 end of life migration projects take 6 to 12 months. Qualified partners are booking out fast ahead of the July 2026 deadline. Starting late raises project risk and cost.
Migrate From SQL Server 2016 Before the
Deadline. Get Your Free Migration
Assessment with Experts.
Choose Your Path As Per Your Business Need
The right path for your SQL Server 2016
end-of-life migration depends on your workloads, compliance posture,
cloud readiness, and
long-term infrastructure vision.
Migrate to Azure SQL
Move to a fully managed cloud database with no forced EOL cycles, automatic patching, and elastic scaling. Best for organizations on or moving to Microsoft Azure.
Upgrade to SQL Server 2022
An in-place or side-by-side upgrade keeps databases on your own infrastructure. Right for environments with strict data residency, regulated workloads, or existing hardware investment.
Our SQL Server Migration Services
From assessment to post-upgrade tuning, Ksolves SQL Server upgrade services ensure accurate, reliable migrations.
SQL Server 2016 to Azure SQL
Ksolves certified migration architects move your databases to a fully managed, evergreen cloud database with no forced EOL cycles. Every migration wave is backed by a written data accuracy guarantee. CDC sync keeps your source live throughout, and cutover happens in a low-volume window with a tested rollback path always ready.
SQL Server 2016 to SQL Server 2022
Senior Ksolves DBAs deliver an in-place or side-by-side upgrade covering your full estate, including schema, stored procedures, SSIS packages, and SQL Agent jobs. Extended support runs through January 2033. Intelligent Query Processing is validated post-upgrade with minimal disruption to your business.
SQL Server Consolidation
Multiple SQL Server 2016 instances consolidated onto fewer, right-sized targets by Ksolves cloud architects. A license cost model is produced before any scope is agreed so you see the savings before committing.
SSIS Package Migration
Every SSIS package is assessed, converted, and validated by Ksolves data engineers as part of every standard engagement. Packages move to SQL Server 2022 Integration Services or Azure Data Factory, depending on your target path. Nothing is treated as out of scope or billed separately.
SSRS Report Migration
Ksolves reporting specialists assess every SSRS report before migration begins. Reports move to Power BI, newer Report Server, or a side-by-side legacy environment based on your reporting roadmap, not a default recommendation.
SQL Server EOL Risk Assessment
A full DMA-powered audit of your SQL Server 2016 environment run by Ksolves certified engineers before you commit to any scope or spend. Output is a written compatibility gap report ranked by blocking severity, a risk register, and a firm path recommendation comparing Azure SQL and SQL Server 2022 against your specific workloads.
Azure SQL Readiness Assessment
A structured workload analysis run by Ksolves cloud architects, determining Azure SQL Database versus Managed Instance suitability for your databases and application patterns. Includes a full TCO model comparing Azure SQL, SQL Server 2022, and ESU against your current spend.
Post-Migration Performance Tuning
Index analysis, query plan review, and execution plan optimization delivered in your new environment as standard by the Ksolves team. Every engagement closes with a written handover document covering what changed, how to validate database health, and what to watch for next.
Our SQL Server Migration Services
From assessment to post-upgrade tuning, Ksolves SQL Server upgrade services ensure accurate, reliable migrations.
SQL Server 2016 to Azure SQL
Ksolves certified migration architects move your databases to a fully managed, evergreen cloud database with no forced EOL cycles. Every migration wave is backed by a written data accuracy guarantee. CDC sync keeps your source live throughout, and cutover happens in a low-volume window with a tested rollback path always ready.
SQL Server 2016 to SQL Server 2022
Senior Ksolves DBAs deliver an in-place or side-by-side upgrade covering your full estate, including schema, stored procedures, SSIS packages, and SQL Agent jobs. Extended support runs through January 2033. Intelligent Query Processing is validated post-upgrade with minimal disruption to your business.
SQL Server Consolidation
Multiple SQL Server 2016 instances consolidated onto fewer, right-sized targets by Ksolves cloud architects. A license cost model is produced before any scope is agreed so you see the savings before committing.
SSIS Package Migration
Every SSIS package is assessed, converted, and validated by Ksolves data engineers as part of every standard engagement. Packages move to SQL Server 2022 Integration Services or Azure Data Factory, depending on your target path. Nothing is treated as out of scope or billed separately.
SSRS Report Migration
Ksolves reporting specialists assess every SSRS report before migration begins. Reports move to Power BI, newer Report Server, or a side-by-side legacy environment based on your reporting roadmap, not a default recommendation.
SQL Server EOL Risk Assessment
A full DMA-powered audit of your SQL Server 2016 environment run by Ksolves certified engineers before you commit to any scope or spend. Output is a written compatibility gap report ranked by blocking severity, a risk register, and a firm path recommendation comparing Azure SQL and SQL Server 2022 against your specific workloads.
Azure SQL Readiness Assessment
A structured workload analysis run by Ksolves cloud architects, determining Azure SQL Database versus Managed Instance suitability for your databases and application patterns. Includes a full TCO model comparing Azure SQL, SQL Server 2022, and ESU against your current spend.
Post-Migration Performance Tuning
Index analysis, query plan review, and execution plan optimization delivered in your new environment as standard by the Ksolves team. Every engagement closes with a written handover document covering what changed, how to validate database health, and what to watch for next.
SQL Server 2016 vs. Your Migration Target
A direct line-item comparison of what you have today against what each migration path delivers across the dimensions that matter to your business.
| Capability | SQL Server 2016 | Azure SQL or SQL Server 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Extended support | Ends July 14, 2026 | SQL 2022 to 2033 / Azure SQL: no EOL |
| Security patching | Stops at EOL permanently | Continuous, automatic |
| AI and vector search | Not available | Native built-in support |
| Query performance | Legacy cardinality estimator | Intelligent Query Processing, measurable performance gains for analytical workloads without code change |
| High availability | Manual Always On AG setup | 99.99% SLA built-in (Azure SQL) |
| Elastic scaling | Hardware-bound, manual | On-demand scaling (Azure SQL) |
| Compliance audit support | Unsupported = audit risk | Built-in ledger, audit logs, compliance tools |
| Overall risk posture | High and growing daily | Fully supported, secure, future-ready |
SQL Server 2016
Ends July 14, 2026
Azure SQL or SQL Server 2022
SQL 2022 to 2033 / Azure SQL: no EOL
SQL Server 2016
Stops at EOL permanently
Azure SQL or SQL Server 2022
Continuous, automatic
SQL Server 2016
Not available
Azure SQL or SQL Server 2022
Native built-in support
SQL Server 2016
Legacy cardinality estimator
Azure SQL or SQL Server 2022
Intelligent Query Processing, measurable performance gains for analytical workloads without code change
SQL Server 2016
Manual Always On AG setup
Azure SQL or SQL Server 2022
99.99% SLA built-in (Azure SQL)
SQL Server 2016
Hardware-bound, manual
Azure SQL or SQL Server 2022
On-demand scaling (Azure SQL)
SQL Server 2016
Unsupported = audit risk
Azure SQL or SQL Server 2022
Built-in ledger, audit logs, compliance tools
SQL Server 2016
High and growing daily
Azure SQL or SQL Server 2022
Fully supported, secure, future-ready
Our SQL Server 2016 Migration Process
Every deliverable is backed by certified engineers and a written data accuracy guarantee.
Phase 1: Environment Audit (Days 1 to 3)
Document every instance, database, SSIS package, linked server, and dependent application. Flag deprecated features and custom objects before anything moves.
Phase 2: Compatibility Assessment (Days 3 to 5)
Run DMA across your environment. Output: written compatibility gap report ranked by blocking, recommended, and informational severity.
Phase 3: Migration Runbook (Days 5 to 7)
Step-by-step runbook covering schema conversion, SSIS migration, connection updates, and rollback procedure. Reviewed with your team before staging begins.
Phase 4: Staging Validation (Days 7 to 14)
Full migration on staging. Schema, stored procedures, and SSIS packages validated against your test suite. Nothing moves to production without a clean pass.
Phase 5: Production Cutover
CDC sync keeps the source live throughout. Connection switch in a low-volume window with a tested rollback path ready. Live call with your team during cutover.
Phase 6: Post-Migration Monitoring (48 to 72 Hours)
Monitor query performance, index health, and blocking post-cutover. Engagement closes with a written handover document.
Our SQL Server 2016 Migration Process
Every deliverable is backed by certified engineers and a written data accuracy guarantee.
Phase 1: Environment Audit (Days 1 to 3)
Document every instance, database, SSIS package, linked server, and dependent application. Flag deprecated features and custom objects before anything moves.
Phase 2: Compatibility Assessment (Days 3 to 5)
Run DMA across your environment. Output: written compatibility gap report ranked by blocking, recommended, and informational severity.
Phase 3: Migration Runbook (Days 5 to 7)
Step-by-step runbook covering schema conversion, SSIS migration, connection updates, and rollback procedure. Reviewed with your team before staging begins.
Phase 4: Staging Validation (Days 7 to 14)
Full migration on staging. Schema, stored procedures, and SSIS packages validated against your test suite. Nothing moves to production without a clean pass.
Phase 5: Production Cutover
CDC sync keeps the source live throughout. Connection switch in a low-volume window with a tested rollback path ready. Live call with your team during cutover.
Phase 6: Post-Migration Monitoring (48 to 72 Hours)
Monitor query performance, index health, and blocking post-cutover. Engagement closes with a written handover document.
Whether Your Target Is Azure SQL Migration
or SQL Server 2022 Upgrade, We Can Help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before choosing us.
Your databases keep running, but Microsoft permanently stops all patches and support. Every new vulnerability after that date goes unpatched. A SQL Server 2016 end-of-life migration is the only way to close that exposure.
Simple environments need 2 to 3 months. Complex ones take 6 to 12 months. Given the SQL Server 2016 EOL deadline of July 14, 2026, start your assessment now.
Azure SQL removes EOL cycles permanently and suits cloud-first workloads. SQL Server 2022 is better for strict data residency or existing hardware investment. Ksolves assesses your workloads before recommending either path for your Azure SQL migration or on-premises upgrade.
ESU covers critical patches only, costs more each year, and hard-stops after 3 years. Migration is still unavoidable. Our SQL server upgrade services team can model the full ESU cost against migration investment before you decide.
Most T-SQL runs without changes. Deprecated features like RC4 encryption and legacy compatibility levels can block upgrades if not caught early. Ksolves runs a full DMA scan as the first step of every SQL Server 2016 end-of-life migration to resolve every issue before data moves.
SSIS runs on SQL Server 2022 with minimal changes. For Azure SQL migration targets, SSIS moves to Azure-SSIS IR in Azure Data Factory. SSRS is assessed for Power BI or Report Server. Both are included in Ksolves’ scope, not billed separately.
Every Ksolves Azure SQL migration runs row-count validation, checksum verification, and business-logic testing at every migration wave. Cutover only opens after both Ksolves and your team sign off. The written data accuracy guarantee is included in every engagement, not an optional add-on.
