Explore the process of modernizing SQL Server in this comprehensive conference talk from the PASS Data Community Summit. Learn when to upgrade, how to certify databases, and understand compatibility levels and deprecated functionalities. Discover three essential free Microsoft tools for simplified upgrades: Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit (MAP), Database Migration Assistant (DMA), and Database Experimentation Assistant (DEA). Gain insights into post-migration steps and the Query Tuning Assistant. Delve into topics such as database compatibility level behavior, functional change protection, and reliable upgrade strategies. Understand the breakdown of modernization tools and prepare for a smooth transition to SQL Server 2017 or 2019.