FAQ: SQL Server 2019 End of Life and Product Update Recommendations
This article contains link to external information not maintained by Ing. Punzenberger COPA-DATA Gmbh.
Which SQL Server version is included in your installation?
In the zenon versions 12, 11, and 10, the installation package included Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Express. Starting with zenon version 14 onward, Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Express is now used and bundled with the zenon Software Platform. This change reflects the ongoing commitment to keep zenon's third-party component dependencies updated and aligned with their support lifecycles.
The installed Microsoft SQL Server version can be determined through Windows OS functionalities or through the zenDB.ini file.
Is SQL Server 2019 still supported?
Microsoft SQL Server 2019 reached the end of mainstream support on February 28, 2025. However, it remains in extended support until January 8, 2030. During this extended phase, Microsoft continues to provide cumulative updates (CUs), including security patches and essential fixes, at no additional cost. The cumulative updates (CUs) won't contain feature enhancements. This applies to both the Standard and the Express edition of SQL Server 2019. This is according to Microsoft's Fixed Lifecycle Support.
Why must upgrading to SQL Server 2022 go hand-in-hand with our software update?
Although SQL Server 2019 continues to receive security updates under Microsoft’s extended support, some vulnerability scanners may still flag it as a high or critical risk due to its lifecycle status. While technically possible, COPA-DATA does not endorse independently upgrading to Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Express without also upgrading the zenon Software Platform components to a version supporting Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Express. Mixed configurations, like a zenon Engineering Studio version 12 or earlier with a Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Express, fall outside of our quality assurance processes and are not covered under our support agreements. Because of this, COPA-DATA cannot guarantee expected system behaviour or compatibility.
What steps can be taken to secure installations that still use Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Express?
If a system is still running Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Express and an upgrade path is not planned, there are several ways COPA-DATA recommends reducing potential exposure or exploitation. Keeping the SQL Server installation fully updated by applying the latest cumulative updates released by Microsoft can minimize the threat of an attack. These updates continue to address security vulnerabilities as they arise. COPA-DATA also recommends that the database server is not exposed directly to the internet, and that access is restricted using network segmentation, firewalls, and strong authentication controls. Regularly monitoring server activity and scanning the environment in which the SQL Server is deployed can also help to maintain security.
If a full upgrade of the system deploying the zenon Software Platform is not possible, COPA-DATA recommends:
- Applying the latest cumulative updates for the Microsoft SQL Server installation
- Ensuring the database server is not exposed to the internet
- Using firewalls, segmentation, and strong authentication
- Monitoring activity and regularly scanning the environment
What should customers do next?
COPA-DATA recommends all users of the product versions zenon 12 and earlier to upgrade to a newer release of the zenon Software Platform with SQL Server 2022 included. Doing so not only helps to future-proof systems and environments deploying zenon but also aligns with best practices for software lifecycle and security management.
If you need additional information or have questions about upgrading to the latest zenon release, please consult the Self Service Portal or get in contact with us!
zenon Software Platform support for Microsoft SQL Server
zenon Software Platform version | Supported Microsoft SQL Server |
zenon Software Platform version 8.20 | Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Express |
zenon Software Platform version 10 | Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Express |
zenon Software Platform version 11 | Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Express |
zenon Software Platform version 12 | Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Express |
zenon Software Platform version 14 | Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Express |
zenon Software Platform version 15 | Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Express |
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