SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) by Microsoft. The product's main purposes are to store data and retrieve it as requested by other software applications - on the same computer or on another computer across a shared network. The solution is built on top of Structured Query Language (SQL), which is a standardized programming language used for relational database management.
| Product | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| SQL Server | 16.6% |
| Oracle Database | 12.9% |
| SAP HANA | 10.1% |
| Other | 60.4% |
| Title | Rating | Mindshare | Recommending | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teradata | 4.1 | 5.1% | 87% | 76 interviewsAdd to research |
| MySQL | 4.1 | 7.8% | 91% | 150 interviewsAdd to research |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 111 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 55 |
| Large Enterprise | 103 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 481 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 288 |
| Large Enterprise | 1199 |
The product is tied to Transact-SQL (T-SQL), which is an implementation of SQL from Microsoft that adds several proprietary programming extensions to the standard language. SQL Server is built similarly to other RDBMS products, as its structure is a row-based table that connects related data elements in different tables to one another. One of its most important components is the SQL Server Database Engine, as it controls data processing, storage, and security. Beneath the Database Engine is the SQL Server Operating System, which is used for memory and I/O management, locking data to avoid unneeded upgrades, and job scheduling.
The solution has four editions with different sets of services and tools. They include:
The first two are available for free and are typically utilized by smaller companies, as they work with fewer functions and storage. The second two editions are generally used by bigger organizations and enterprises and offer more features.
The solution has several functions through which users can facilitate different data-related processes. These include:
SQL Server Services
SQL Server has a wide range of add-on services that provide additional benefits beyond database management. These services include:
SQL Server Benefits
The solution has many benefits for users. These include the following:
Reviews from Real Users
A president at a consultancy evaluates SQL Server as a veteran solution with critical log shipping feature.
Harkamal S., a user at a manufacturing company, rates SQL Server with a high mark because it is a stable, scalable, and easy-to-deploy solution that pretty much covers everything.
SQL Server was previously known as Microsoft SQL Server, MSSQL, MS SQL.
Microsoft SQL Server is used by businesses in every industry, including Great Western Bank, Aviva, the Volvo Car Corporation, BMW, Samsung, Principality Building Society, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario.
| Author info | Rating | Review Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure Coordinator at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees | 4.0 | My experience with SQL Server is positive; it's easy to use, performs well across various applications, and seamlessly integrates with tools like Visual Studio. While integration could improve, SQL Server remains a good solution with substantial return on investment. |
| Database administrator at K electric | 4.0 | I use SQL Server primarily for its user-friendly interface and cost-effectiveness compared to Oracle. I haven't encountered any issues due to comprehensive documentation and training resources, and it's ideal for small applications. This is my first database experience. |
| Professional Services Manager at Business Intelligence DA | 5.0 | No summary available |
| AVP at MIDDAY INFOMEDIA LIMITED | 4.0 | We use SQL Server for installing different databases, leveraging its ability to link servers and replicate data between applications. Although it excels in parallel processing, particularly compared to Oracle, improvements in pricing and integration are needed. |
| Senior General Manager at Worly Plumbing Supply, Inc. | 5.0 | We primarily use SQL Server as a back-end source for clients. Its agent service, encryption, and performance are valuable, with excellent indexing and Magic Tables. While effective, SQL Server is expensive, and a price reduction would be beneficial. |
| Product owner at Digitt Plus (AFT) | 4.5 | SQL Server is the backbone of every microservice, crucial for data operations and application efficiency. It offers good security features, but its GUI can be complex, posing challenges for newcomers or non-technical users. |
| System analyst at Ministry of Interior | 4.0 | We use SQL Server for warehouse data management and statistical reports, valuing its ability to extract reports and collect data from various tables. However, it needs better compatibility, performance with large data sets, and more flexible licensing options. |
| Solution architect at Rackspace | 4.5 | In my review of SQL Server, I found its flexibility in migration, modernization, and Azure deployment valuable, though there are areas needing improvement, notably in security feature updates and native feature support, requiring some customization for our needs. |
