SQL server relational databases are basically tables holding structured data. Tables have two main components- rows or records or tuples and columns or attributes. The columns are meant to store different information types like- names, dates, numbers, prices etc.
About MS-SQL Database and Server:
Microsoft developed the relational database management system Microsoft SQL Server. It is a database server whose primary goal is to store and retrieve data back and forth from other applications. Such applications need not be in the same computing device and the data retrieval, or storage request can also from another computer within the wider network.
There is more than a dozen of Microsoft SQL Server editions like SQL server express edition. The different editions are targeted towards different audiences and workloads. The workloads especially can vary a lot ranging from a single PC or workstation to massive internet-facing apps with many simultaneous users.
What are the Features of MS-SQL Database and Server?
Big Data Clusters
With the SQL Server 2019 edition Microsoft added provisions for big data clusters. Thanks to the feature, developers can deploy many, Spark, SQL Server and Kubernetes-driven HDFS containers in scalable clusters concurrently. The Big Data Cluster lets such clusters to run simultaneously. In such a setup it is possible to read, write and process Big Data from the Transact SQL format to Spark. With the Big Data Cluster feature you can combine and analyze high-value relational data contrasting it with high-volume big data with relative ease.
UTF-8 Support
If we are talking about data encoding systems, then the popularity if the UTF-8 system is undeniable. Microsoft supports it from its 2019 variant of its popular SQL Server product. SQL 2019 supports UTF-8 in data import and export and within both column-level and database-level data collation. You enable the support by changing the object collation type to object collation. You can use UTF-8 for both char and varchar data types with SQL 2019. SQL 2016 had partial support for UTF-8 in BULK_INSERT, BCP and OPENROWSET.
Resumable Online Index Create (CTP 2.0)
This feature lets indexing activities to pause created operations and resume it later. Before the introduction of this feature, when operations were paused or failed the entire process had to be restarted.
Intelligent Query Processing (CTP 2.0)
It is a method to get optimum query executions with minimal compiler times. With SQL 2019, many innovative and useful aspects of the process were added.
Always On Availability Groups
The term “Always On availability groups” refers to disaster recovery and high availability (HA) functions. It is meant to be an alternative to database mirroring. Such availability groups are meant to support setting up of availability databases.
When should you use MS-SQL Database and Server?
Easy to Install
The ease of installation MS SQL through a setup wizard is a great asset and it is similarly easy to use as well. In comparison, almost all database servers need large amounts of command-line configuration. The one-click installation MS SQL is further complemented with a GUI replete with comprehensive information. If there are any absent pre-requisites, MS SQL will automatically download them for you too making the need for manual interference and tasks minimal. The server software also updates automatically meaning minimal maintenance. Lastly, users can optionally install database and analytical services later.
Enhanced Performance
MS SQL boasts of data encryption and transparent data compression both of which serve to optimize performance and security. No modification of any program is needed for users to secure and encrypt their data. The database software comes with a set of effective permission management tools along with access control systems that keep sensitive business information secure.
Excellent Data Restoration and Recovery Mechanism
Besides its advanced security features, MS SQL Server also has an array of sophisticated features that makes it easy to restore and recover data in case of loss or damage to the same. Database Engine which is a core part of SQL Server controls the software’s data storage and helps in typical database functions like execution of demands and queries by users which include all sorts of data including files, transactions, and indexes.
Many SQL Server Editions
There are many MS SQL Server software variations. These are designed to cater to different needs- from that of a remote user to domestic personnel to large corporate enterprises. The editions have varying prices and organizations can pick one that supports their needs the best. The editions include:
Enterprise – This MS SQL Server product is meant for large enterprises with massive data storage requirements. Some features that make the product standout are its data warehousing capabilities and web-enabled databases. It meets the needs of enterprise-level organizations.
Standard– If you are a small or medium sized business then you should opt for MS SQL Standard. It is friendly towards branch offices and works as a back-end database for small web servers. This version has no set limit for the number of users.
Express – The SQL server express edition is the free variant of MS SQL Server. The user capacity is limited along with fewer features.
Developer – It works just like the enterprise edition with the only difference being that it is intended for testing and development purposes.
Highly Secure
MS SQL Server stands out for its excellent security features. It uses sophisticated algorithms that make it virtually impossible to penetrate the security layers of the software.
Low Cost of Ownership
MS SQL Server comes with a slew of disk partitioning, data mining and management tools. It reduces cost of ownership significantly as due to its rich feature-set you don’t have to make additional software purchases. Even the features of SQL server express edition would suffice for most use cases!