Microsoft offers near-zero-downtime migration for SQL 2008 workloads to Azure. They provide a free assessment tool: Data Migration Assistant . It identifies breaking changes.
Resellers and partners with an active MAPS subscription can access legacy software for internal use or customer support. ms sql server 2008 download full version
However, you can still find official downloads for specific free editions and updates directly from the Microsoft Download Center Official Download Availability Express Edition (Free Version) : Limited versions like SQL Server 2008 R2 SP2 Express Express with Advanced Services are still officially available for download. Service Packs & Updates : You can still download Service Pack 4 (SP4) for SQL Server 2008 and Service Pack 3 (SP3) for SQL Server 2008 R2 to update existing installations. Full Versions (Developer/Standard/Enterprise) : These are generally only available to users with a Visual Studio (formerly MSDN) Subscription Microsoft Learn Important Installation Notes Resellers and partners with an active MAPS subscription