LocalDB and SQL Server compete in the database management systems category. SQL Server seems to have the upper hand due to its comprehensive feature set and robust enterprise functionalities.
Features: SQL Server offers high scalability and a rich set of features like dynamic resource allocation, graphical query analysis, and OLTP capabilities. It efficiently handles diverse data types and sizes, offering robust data transformation, reporting, and analysis services. LocalDB is ideal for lightweight applications, using SQL Server's client libraries and features like stored procedures and data types, but lacks extensive enterprise functionalities.
Room for Improvement: SQL Server requires improvements in complex installation, high costs for additional features, and performance issues with large databases. It also needs enhancements in indexing, data encryption, and integration with other platforms. LocalDB could benefit from improved connectivity and management tools to better compete with more robust solutions like SQL Server.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: SQL Server is versatile but sometimes complex, especially in scaling and resource management, across cloud and on-premises environments. LocalDB’s lightweight design allows for easier deployment, but it is limited to on-premises and smaller-scale applications. Customer service for SQL Server is generally well-regarded, with extensive resources and community support, though direct support can vary. LocalDB also benefits from Microsoft's support infrastructure but lacks service tailored for large deployments.
Pricing and ROI: SQL Server involves costly licensing fees justified by its enterprise capabilities, often chosen for its comprehensive features and potential for high ROI. LocalDB provides a cost-effective or free alternative for smaller applications, offering essential capabilities without substantial investment. SQL Server's pricing is better suited for enterprises needing advanced features and scalability.
| Product | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| SQL Server | 15.8% |
| LocalDB | 1.8% |
| Other | 82.4% |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 121 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 58 |
| Large Enterprise | 112 |
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.
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.
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