Microsoft SQL Server Platforms

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Free Resource: Hive vs. Spark vs. Presto

While SQL is the common langue of many data queries, not all engines that use SQL are the same—and their effectiveness changes based on your particular use case. So what engine is best for your business to build around? Compare Hive, Spark, and Presto to see which is best for you.

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Microsoft SQL Server Platforms News

April 11, 2019 11 Apr'19
Google expands Windows support with managed SQL Server

Google's decision to add SQL Server to its Cloud SQL family of managed database services is an appeal to Google Cloud Platform customers with ample Windows workloads.
November 30, 2018 30 Nov'18
Faster R&D pace complicates SQL Server upgrades for users

Microsoft is updating SQL Server and Azure SQL Database more quickly than it did in the past -- and keeping up with the new releases can be a tough task for DBAs.
November 29, 2018 29 Nov'18
Microsoft data platform gets new cloud, on-prem features

Microsoft released a second preview of SQL Server 2019 and said users can now run applications in either on-premises SQL Server systems or its Azure SQL Database cloud service.
November 08, 2018 08 Nov'18
Microsoft Azure SQL Database nears parity with SQL Server

Microsoft is adding functionality to Azure SQL Database to enable users to migrate more SQL Server applications to the cloud platform and run bigger databases on it.

Microsoft SQL Server Platforms Get Started

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

relational database

A relational database is a collection of information that organizes data points with defined relationships for easy access. Continue Reading
RDBMS (relational database management system)

A relational database management system (RDBMS) is a collection of programs and capabilities that enable IT teams and others to create, update, administer and otherwise interact with a relational database. Continue Reading
Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system, or RDBMS, that supports a wide variety of transaction processing, business intelligence and analytics applications in corporate IT environments Continue Reading

Evaluate Microsoft SQL Server Platforms Vendors & Products

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

5 trends for SQL Server environments as SQL Server 2019 looms

SQL Server is undergoing new changes, as Microsoft prepares to release the 2019 version of the database software. Other changes are also on tap for SQL Server users. Continue Reading
SQL Server 2019 improves Linux, container support

The SQL Server 2019 release includes new big data integration features, a collection of database engine enhancements and improved Linux and container support. Continue Reading
The most useful new features in Microsoft SQL Server 2019

SQL Server 2019 includes welcome new features, particularly updates to its indexing and high availability capabilities and added SQL Server on Linux functionality. Continue Reading

Manage Microsoft SQL Server Platforms

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

database management system (DBMS)

A database management system (DBMS) is system software for creating and managing databases. Continue Reading
PASS Summit 2018 spotlights new demands on SQL Server DBAs

This year's PASS Summit comes as SQL Server 2019 looms and the cloud becomes a bigger factor. PASS board member Tim Ford talks about key trends ahead of it. Continue Reading
4 strategies to beat the SQL Server 2008 support cutoff

The looming end of SQL Server 2008 extended support should spur database teams into action. Consider these four options to extend security updates or migrate your aging SQL Server systems. Continue Reading

Problem Solve Microsoft SQL Server Platforms Issues

We’ve gathered up expert advice and tips from professionals like you so that the answers you need are always available.

Five steps for a successful backup of a stored procedure in SQL Server

Follow these steps to use Management Studio for SQL 2005 for a successful SQL Server stored procedure backup. Continue Reading
Pros and cons of SQL Server 2012

Performance and support top the lists of pros for going to SQL Server 2012. But application compatibility and “the unknown” might keep you away for now. Continue Reading
Speed up execution times in Microsoft SQL Azure

Compare the time cost of database calls to SQL Azure versus calls to a local server and get recommendations for improving the speed of database calls to SQL Azure. Continue Reading