preloader

ABSOLUTE DATA EXCELLENCE

Ascent Technology Logo
Ascent Technology Logo

ABSOLUTE DATA EXCELLENCE

Ascent Technology Logo
VENDOR RELATIONSHIPS
FROM THE DESK OF THE MD
Support Ended for SQL Server 2016. So Did the Microsoft Subsidy.

Support Ended for SQL Server 2016. So Did the Microsoft Subsidy.

For three end-of-support cycles, Microsoft made waiting free. This time it did not – and that, not the deadline, is the story.Key Takeaways The subsidy on waiting has been withdrawn - for three end-of-support cycles Microsoft made deferral effectively free on Azure,...

Copilot Is Ready. Is Your Data?

Copilot is ready the day you switch it on. Whether it delivers depends on something Microsoft cannot ship you: a governed data estate underneath it.Key Takeaways Adoption is outrunning readiness - enterprise Copilot rollouts are accelerating, but what varies from one...

AI Readiness Is Data Readiness 

Enterprise AI has moved from pilots to full-workforce rollouts - and the question few are asking is whether their data is governed enough to let an AI read it.Key Takeaways Speed is the wrong question - enterprise AI has jumped to full-workforce Copilot rollouts and...

Support Ended for SQL Server 2016. So Did the Microsoft Subsidy.

Support Ended for SQL Server 2016. So Did the Microsoft Subsidy.

For three end-of-support cycles, Microsoft made waiting free. This time it did not – and that, not the deadline, is the story.Key Takeaways The subsidy on waiting has been withdrawn - for three end-of-support cycles Microsoft made deferral effectively free on Azure,...

Copilot Is Ready. Is Your Data?

Copilot Is Ready. Is Your Data?

Copilot is ready the day you switch it on. Whether it delivers depends on something Microsoft cannot ship you: a governed data estate underneath it.Key Takeaways Adoption is outrunning readiness - enterprise Copilot rollouts are accelerating, but what varies from one...

AI Readiness Is Data Readiness 

Enterprise AI has moved from pilots to full-workforce rollouts - and the question few are asking is whether their data is governed enough to let an AI read it.Key Takeaways Speed is the wrong question - enterprise AI has jumped to full-workforce Copilot rollouts and...

Your Databases Are Being Watched. Just Not By You.

Most organisations invest in perimeter security. The database – where the data actually lives – is the layer most often left ungoverned.Key Takeaways The perimeter protects the route, not the destination - Security investment concentrates on the edge, while the...

NEWSFLASHES
SQL Server 2016 Support Has Ended – and the Rules Have Changed

SQL Server 2016 Support Has Ended – and the Rules Have Changed

Extended support for SQL Server 2016 ended on 14 July 2026. Without ESUs there are no more security updates – and this cycle, Microsoft has repriced the exit routes.The facts On 14 July 2026, SQL Server 2016 reached end of support. Mainstream support ended in July...

Season’s Greetings from the Ascent Technology Team

As the year draws to a close, we would like to express our appreciation to our clients, partners, and colleagues for the trust and collaboration that have defined the year. We wish you and your teams a restful festive season and a successful year ahead, and we look...

Ascent’s SQL Server 2025 Blog Post Series

Microsoft SQL Server 2025 marks an important shift in how organisations modernise, optimise, and protect their data platforms. As data estates become more hybrid, more intelligent, and more tightly governed, SQL Server 2025 is no longer just another upgrade cycle. It...

SQL Server 2016 Support Has Ended – and the Rules Have Changed

SQL Server 2016 Support Has Ended – and the Rules Have Changed

Extended support for SQL Server 2016 ended on 14 July 2026. Without ESUs there are no more security updates – and this cycle, Microsoft has repriced the exit routes.The facts On 14 July 2026, SQL Server 2016 reached end of support. Mainstream support ended in July...

Season’s Greetings from the Ascent Technology Team

Season’s Greetings from the Ascent Technology Team

As the year draws to a close, we would like to express our appreciation to our clients, partners, and colleagues for the trust and collaboration that have defined the year. We wish you and your teams a restful festive season and a successful year ahead, and we look...

Microsoft Tiered EA/MPSA Pricing Ends – Explore the CSP Advantage

Standardised pricing will replace Microsoft’s long-standing tiered discount model - prompting many organisations to review the CSP programme for its cost savings, licensing flexibility, and simplified management.Microsoft Tiered EA/MPSA Pricing Ends Microsoft will...

Season’s Greetings from the Ascent Technology Team

As we wrap up the year, we’d like to extend our sincere thanks to our clients, colleagues, and partners for your continued trust and support. We hope the festive season brings you the chance to slow down, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. Warm wishes...

CLIENT CASE STUDIES
DB Administration, Security and Compliance for First Distribution

DB Administration, Security and Compliance for First Distribution

First Distribution’s Database Administration, Security and Compliance needs lead it to trusted advisor, Ascent Technology. For any large organisation, Database Administration (DBA) is a vital part of maintaining their Data Platform Operations effectively. As it has...

Ascent Technology helps Bidfood SA migrate to Microsoft Azure

When Bidfood SA chose to modernise and migrate its data platform to Microsoft Azure, it turned to Ascent Technology for help. In a world that is digitally transforming, it is more vital than ever to an organisation’s success to utilise the latest platforms to drive...

Ascent Technology helps migrate Phumelela Gaming to Azure

A Windows Server and SQL Server consolidation, optimisation and migration to Microsoft Azure enables the company to reduce costs, modernise its data platform and boost its innovation capabilities. As an operator running two distinct betting businesses, Phumelela...

DB Administration, Security and Compliance for First Distribution

DB Administration, Security and Compliance for First Distribution

First Distribution’s Database Administration, Security and Compliance needs lead it to trusted advisor, Ascent Technology. For any large organisation, Database Administration (DBA) is a vital part of maintaining their Data Platform Operations effectively. As it has...

Ascent Technology helps Bidfood SA migrate to Microsoft Azure

Ascent Technology helps Bidfood SA migrate to Microsoft Azure

When Bidfood SA chose to modernise and migrate its data platform to Microsoft Azure, it turned to Ascent Technology for help. In a world that is digitally transforming, it is more vital than ever to an organisation’s success to utilise the latest platforms to drive...

Ascent helps migrate Compatible Automotive to Azure

Microsoft Azure Data Platform Services not only boosts the company’s DR facilities, it also helps them deliver value-added services and innovative strategic solutions to its customers. In a digitising world, it comes as no surprise to learn that Compatible Automotive...

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
Microsoft Data and Analytics Partner of the Year Finalist

Microsoft Data and Analytics Partner of the Year Finalist

Ascent Technology continues its strong showing in the Microsoft Partner of the Year awards, as a finalist in the Data and Analytics Partner of the Year award.Finalist Data and Analytics Partner of the Year "It is always gratifying to be recognised by Microsoft as one...

Microsoft Data and Analytics Partner of the Year Finalist

Microsoft Data and Analytics Partner of the Year Finalist

Ascent Technology continues its strong showing in the Microsoft Partner of the Year awards, as a finalist in the Data and Analytics Partner of the Year award.Finalist Data and Analytics Partner of the Year "It is always gratifying to be recognised by Microsoft as one...

Microsoft Data and Analytics Partner of the Year Finalist

Microsoft Data and Analytics Partner of the Year Finalist

Ascent Technology continues its strong showing in the Microsoft Partner of the Year awards, as a finalist in the Data and Analytics Partner of the Year award.Finalist Data and Analytics Partner of the Year "It is always gratifying to be recognised by Microsoft as one...

Campaigns

Cloud Data Management Solutions with SQL Server 2016

Cloud Data Management Solutions with SQL Server 2016

Extend your data-management capabilities with the power of the cloud. When you access trusted cloud database resources, you achieve the speed and scale you need, while reducing your hardware, maintenance, and administration costs.

Upgrade to SQL Server 2016 with Ascent Technology

Upgrade to SQL Server 2016 with Ascent Technology

Gain real-time insights across your transactional and analytical data with SQL Server 2016 – a secure, scalable database platform that has everything built in, from advanced analytics to unparalleled in-memory performance.