Microsoft SQL Server

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SQL Server FTS

Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. As a database server, its primary function is to store and retrieve data as requested by other software applications, which may run either on the same computer or on another computer across a network (including the Internet). Microsoft markets at least a dozen different editions of Microsoft SQL Server, aimed at different audiences and for workloads ranging from small single-machine applications to large Internet-facing applications with many concurrent users.

History

Microsoft SQL Server has evolved significantly since its inception. The product traces its roots to the partnership between Microsoft and Sybase in the late 1980s when the two companies collaborated to port Sybase SQL Server onto OS/2. In 1993, Microsoft took over the development and marketing of SQL Server and began to develop versions for Microsoft Windows and other platforms. Over the years, Microsoft has released several versions of SQL Server, with SQL Server 2019 being the latest version as of this writing.

Components

Microsoft SQL Server includes several components that support its database management capabilities:

• SQL Server Database Engine: The core service for storing, processing, and securing data. It provides controlled access and rapid transaction processing to meet the requirements of the most demanding data consuming applications within your enterprise.

• SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS): Delivers online analytical processing (OLAP) and data mining functionality for business intelligence applications.

• SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS): Provides a range of ready-to-use tools and services to help create, deploy, and manage reports for your organization.

• SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS): A platform for building enterprise-level data integration and data transformations solutions.

Features

Microsoft SQL Server offers a wide range of features that support a variety of data storage, access, and analysis needs. These features include:

• High Availability: SQL Server provides high availability solutions like Always On Availability Groups and Failover Cluster Instances to ensure that your critical databases are available when you need them.

• Performance and Scalability: SQL Server can handle large volumes of data and has been optimized for performance. Features like in-memory OLTP and Columnstore indexes help achieve fast data processing speeds.

• Security: SQL Server includes robust security features such as Transparent Data Encryption, row-level security, and dynamic data masking to protect data at rest and in transit.

• Business Intelligence: Integrated business intelligence tools like SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) help in creating comprehensive reporting and analytical solutions.

Editions

Microsoft SQL Server is available in several editions, each targeting different audiences and workloads. These include:

• Enterprise Edition: Offers the full range of SQL Server features and is designed for use in high-volume, high-performance data environments.

• Standard Edition: Includes core database features but with limitations on scalability, performance features, and available services.

• Express Edition: A free edition of SQL Server that is ideal for learning, developing, and powering desktop, web, and small server applications.

• SQL Server Developer: Also a free edition, but with the full feature set of the Enterprise Edition, intended for use in development and test environments, not for production.

Licensing

Licensing for SQL Server can be complex and depends on factors such as the edition, the number of users or devices accessing the database, and whether the deployment is in a physical or virtual environment. Microsoft offers both core-based and server/CAL (Client Access License) licensing models to accommodate different types of deployments.

Conclusion

Microsoft SQL Server is a powerful and versatile RDBMS that supports a wide range of data management, business intelligence, and analytics applications. Its comprehensive feature set, scalability, and security make it suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.

Microsoft SQL Server Resources
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