Google Cloud announced a whirlwind of database updates in September 2024, including the general availability of Oracle Database on Google Cloud, new Spanner editions, new features for Cloud SQL, and extended support for PostgreSQL and MySQL. Of these announcements, the extended support for Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL and MySQL particularly caught my eye.
Google Cloud's extended support for PostgreSQL and MySQL is a significant development for businesses that are still running legacy versions of these systems. Instead of being forced to upgrade to newer versions, businesses can now leverage extended support to keep their systems secure and running smoothly.
Extended support includes fixes for critical security bugs, general bug fixes, and SLA coverage. This means that businesses can continue to use older versions of PostgreSQL and MySQL with confidence, knowing that they have a safety net in case any issues arise.
I believe this offering will be highly valuable for businesses looking to minimize the cost and complexity of upgrades. By providing extended support, Google Cloud is giving businesses more time to plan and execute their upgrades at a pace that is comfortable for them.
However, it's important to note that extended support is not a replacement for upgrading to a newer version. Newer versions of PostgreSQL and MySQL include new features and improvements that are not available in older versions. Therefore, upgrading to a newer version is still the best way to ensure that businesses have access to the latest technologies and the highest levels of security and performance.
