Introducing standardized pricing for Extended Security Updates

The new pricing model applies to new Extended Security Updates offerings for Windows products and SQL Server.

Impacted audience

SSP/LSPs, indirect resellers, direct bill partners, systems integrators, global systems integrators.

SQL Server 2016 reaches end of Extended Support on July 14, 2026, increasing security and compliance risk for customers who remain on unsupported versions. Today, customers running SQL Server 2014 in Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines receive Extended Security Updates at no extra cost, while those running on-premises or in other clouds pay for these updates.

To build on our commitment to greater transparency and alignment across deployment options and purchasing channels, we’re introducing a simplified, consistent pricing model for SQL Server 2016 Extended Security Updates in Azure, aligning pricing with on-premises and other public clouds.

This creates a prime opportunity for you to proactively engage customers and start migration and modernization conversations. Tap into these offerings so you’re equipped to lead those conversations, drive upgrades, and deliver long-term value:

• Cloud Accelerate Factory (now extended to customers running SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines): Get zero-cost deployment assistance for modernizing customer workloads to Azure SQL Managed Instance—with hands-on Microsoft support grounded in proven best practices.
• Azure Accelerate for Databases: Unblock database modernization deals by combining Cloud Accelerate Factory delivery, flexible savings, delivery funding and Azure credits, and role-based Data and AI skilling to build an AI-ready foundation on Azure for customers.

Next steps

Read the blog post to learn more.