What is our primary use case?
We use the latest version.
Most SQL Server applications come with package applications from the shelf. This means that when one buys an application, most of these applications work with SQL Server as a basis. They add SQL Server as a database to applications which come with it that one buys. As such, I don't see many people developing new applications with SQL server.
What is most valuable?
A valuable feature of the solution is that it is comparatively simpler to manage than Oracle. Now that the Linux version is an option, this can be taken into consideration, since Windows limited one's use to things which could only be done in Windows.
What needs improvement?
Database support could be improved. Oracle provides better support.
While the price of the solution is comparatively cheaper, people are paying to Microsoft, in any event, for other things that they're using.
Thoughs the licensing cost could be cheaper, this depends, as there is nobody who only uses the database with Microsoft. Every company has Windows, Office, Active Directory and all the security features of Microsoft. This means that, overall, when one buys these licenses together, he also gets the database. The focus is not on the price of the database, but what is actually being paid to Microsoft.
The licensing price could be better, more user-friendly. Things should be be moved from the enterprise to the standard edition.
For how long have I used the solution?
As with Oracle, we have been using SQL Server for a long time. They actually have the same shelf life. We have been using the solution for around 30 years.
How are customer service and support?
The support does not reflect how Microsoft used to be. It can depend. Oracle has a much more sophisticated database, so it comes with expanded support. There are many solutions which come out of the box, as all the problems which could arise have already been encountered by the customers. This is why they are building a big data, to have a ready answer for any issue which may arise, the answer being very quick and straightforward.
When it comes to Microsoft, noone delves deep, so such problems as those arising with Oracle are not encountered. Oracle is much more sophisticated and comes with many problems. This is why the solution comes with better support, as they have already provided a foundation for many of the solutions.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We did not use a solution prior to SQL Server, with the exception of, maybe, Access.
How was the initial setup?
The installation is good.
It took very little time, a couple hours.
What about the implementation team?
Installation can be done on one's own. Everything can be done sequentially, from one thing to the next.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
While the price of the solution is comparatively cheaper, people are paying to Microsoft in any event for other things that they're using.
Although the licensing cost could be cheaper, this depends, as there is nobody who only uses the database with Microsoft. Every company has Windows, Office, Active Directory and all the security features of Microsoft. This means that, overall, when one buys these licenses together, he also gets the database. The focus is not on the price of the database, but what is actually being paid to Microsoft.
The licensing price could be better, more user-friendly. Things should be moved from the enterprise to the standard edition.
What other advice do I have?
Microsoft is fine. They have done a good job.
As everyone has a station with Microsoft installed, everybody is making use of it. When it comes to the database, this depends on the application. As I said, we are talking about a package solution, so use of the same application could consist of several hundred people or thousands.
I rate SQL Server as a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.