There are no specific use cases attached to the solution. From an academic point of view, I make the tool available to the students for some training or tests. I also used it to compare the functionalities of Oracle Data Integrators with other data integration systems.
Professor at University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
Users need to go through a simple initial setup process to use it
Pros and Cons
- "The product's initial setup phase was simple."
- "The interface of the tool has certain shortcomings, making it an area where improvements are required."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
I can't comment on the valuable features of the product right now since I recently downloaded some whitepaper and manuals. I downloaded the documentation related to the tool, but I haven't used much of the system. I know that SQL Server is a good system, based on a report I read on the Gartner website.
What needs improvement?
The interface of the tool has certain shortcomings, making it an area where improvements are required.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using SQL Server for ten to twenty years.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I haven't tested the system for scalability. I use it for simple tasks.
As per our company's agreement with Microsoft, some of the software from Microsoft 10 was included in SQL Server when there were about 1,000 students attending database classes using it.
How was the initial setup?
The product's initial setup phase was simple.
What other advice do I have?
There were no specific projects for which I used the tool. I conduct classes related to data integration. I need to use some products attached to the data integration area having a Python framework. I wanted to compare the tool with some commercial tools such as Oracle Data Integrator.
I recommend the product to those who plan to use it.
SQL Servers and Power BI Report Servers can integrate well.
I rate the tool a seven to eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Senior General Manager at Worly Plumbing Supply, Inc.
Easy to use and provides good speed and data recovery
Pros and Cons
- "Agent service is a good feature of SQL Server, where you can schedule certain tasks."
- "SQL Server is an expensive solution"
What is our primary use case?
Most of our clients use SQL Server as a back-end source.
What is most valuable?
Agent service is a good feature of SQL Server, where you can schedule certain tasks. The solution's encryption feature allows the data to be encrypted while transferring from one place to another. The solution's performance and speed are also good. Indexing and Magic Tables are very good features of SQL Server. We have a different transition style with the solution.
What needs improvement?
SQL Server is an expensive solution, and its pricing should be reduced.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using SQL Server for 18 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
SQL Server is a highly stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution’s performance and scalability are very good. Our clients for SQL Server are enterprise businesses.
I rate the solution a 9 out of 10 for scalability.
How was the initial setup?
The solution’s initial setup is easy.
What about the implementation team?
The solution can be deployed within a few minutes.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
SQL Server is an expensive solution.
On a scale from 1 to 10, when one is cheap and ten is expensive, I rate the solution's pricing a 9 out of 10.
What other advice do I have?
The solution has a good data recovery feature. There are a lot of ways you can recover data. You can manage the recovery, resilience, and disaster management with SQL Server. I would recommend SQL Server to other users because it's easy to use, stable, and has a lot of features. The solution is suitable for different types of companies as per the requirement, including small, medium, and large enterprises.
Overall, I rate the solution 10 out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Implementer
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Data engineer at ASR Nederland N.V.
The restoration of data is very easy compared to any other database
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is very intuitive and easy to use."
- "The performance degrades when the data is huge."
What is our primary use case?
We extracted data from SAP and stored it in SQL Server. We created a connection between the Data Services Server and the SQL Server. If anything went wrong, there were SQL Server experts who took care of everything. So, we extracted data from our ERP system and stored it in SQL Server.
What is most valuable?
Whenever we had to restore the data, it was not as difficult as restoring the database to any other RDBMS. The restoration of data is very easy compared to any other database. The solution is very intuitive and easy to use. It is one of the best relational database systems in the market. The restore and backup strategy was not complicated. The ease of use was excellent compared to any other databases.
What needs improvement?
The performance degrades when the data is huge. It also degrades when there is a flux of data.
For how long have I used the solution?
I used the solution for four to five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The tool is stable. I rate the stability a seven out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The tool is pretty scalable. We had 100 users in our organization. We can scale the tool vertically and horizontally.
What other advice do I have?
SQL Server is the best database when the data is not huge or when we know that the data is coming in at a specific rate. I rate the integration of the product with SAP BusinessObjects Data Services nine out of ten. It is easy. We did not come across any issues or delays. Every organization uses Microsoft. SQL Server is one of the oldest RDBMSs on the market. It is easy to use and intuitive. A lot of people know about it. The ease of use is greater than any other server in the market. Overall, I rate the solution an eight and a half 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.
Product owner at Digitt Plus (AFT)
A robust and secure solution that helps to store data
Pros and Cons
- "SQL Server is essentially the backbone of every microservice. From a developer's perspective, it is the backbone of all microservices. The tool enables data retrieval, set data, and essential operations, ensuring the smooth functioning of applications. In essence, it is the integral part that keeps applications operational."
- "The GUI needs improvement. From a technical perspective, it's quite complex, which may not be a problem for individuals with technical backgrounds like ours, especially since we've encountered similar interfaces. However, navigating the GUI can be challenging for newcomers or product owners without technical experience. For example, as someone transitioning from a developer role to a product management role, I find it relatively easy to use the GUI. But for those without a technical background, it's much more challenging to grasp what's happening."
What is most valuable?
SQL Server is essentially the backbone of every microservice. From a developer's perspective, it is the backbone of all microservices. The tool enables data retrieval, set data, and essential operations, ensuring the smooth functioning of applications. In essence, it is the integral part that keeps applications operational.
The solution's security features are good.
What needs improvement?
The GUI needs improvement. From a technical perspective, it's quite complex, which may not be a problem for individuals with technical backgrounds like ours, especially since we've encountered similar interfaces. However, navigating the GUI can be challenging for newcomers or product owners without technical experience. For example, as someone transitioning from a developer role to a product management role, I find it relatively easy to use the GUI. But for those without a technical background, it's much more challenging to grasp what's happening.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the product for six years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the tool's stability a nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution's scalability and performance depend on application size and data size. Overall, the performance is pretty good and decent. My company has 20-30 users.
How are customer service and support?
I haven't contacted the technical support. Our DBA manages it.
How was the initial setup?
SQL Server is easy to deploy. A five-member technical team maintains it.
What other advice do I have?
I rate SQL Server a nine out of ten. It is robust, secure, scalable, and can store data. It can handle multiple users with good customer support. We have integrated it with IDE and Git.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
System analyst at Ministry of Interior
A reliable database management system that is able to handle significant volumes of data
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is valuable because it seamlessly extracts reports and enables the collection of information from different tables."
- "There is a lot of room for improvement when it comes to limited compatibility across the platform and restricted performance with massive data sets."
What is our primary use case?
We use it for warehouse data management, as well as for statistical reports. It facilitates tabling and query processing while supporting multiple database operations.
What is most valuable?
The solution is valuable because it seamlessly extracts reports and enables the collection of information from different tables.
What needs improvement?
There is a lot of room for improvement when it comes to limited compatibility across the platform and restricted performance with massive data sets. Enhancing those two areas would significantly improve the operation. It is important to mention the licensing cost, as well. Optimization of the licensing options to fit different needs and businesses would be of great benefit.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used this solution for ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a robust and stable solution. Its tracking record is reliable and it can handle large volumes of data.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
SQL Server offers easy scalability, allowing databases to grow as the data and user base expand.
How are customer service and support?
Their customer service is great. When we faced certain issues, they solved them fast. There were no problems with communication.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy, and integrating the system is okay. The only issue is regarding the customization of the business process of the organization, it might take some time. Ultimately, it depends on the client's specific needs.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
SQL Server is an expensive solution. Their pricing structure and licensing options are not budget-friendly, so I believe it is an essential factor to consider when choosing the right product.
What other advice do I have?
It proved to be a great fit for medium-sized enterprises, in terms of the variety of the tools it provides. For bigger projects and specific needs, there might be a need to employ different solutions such as Oracle, and ERP systems. But overall, it works great as a relationship database management system. I would rate it eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Private Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Chief Analytics Officer at Idiro Analytics
Cloud deployment reduces maintenance and management workload
Pros and Cons
- "The Azure SQL Server database requires almost zero maintenance and management."
- "The Azure SQL Server database requires almost zero maintenance and management."
- "SQL Server database capacities could be further increased to be more accessible for larger data requirements."
- "SQL Server database capacities could be further increased to be more accessible for larger data requirements."
What is our primary use case?
Most of my clients are looking for a solution within the cloud on Azure and SQL Server databases. It is very cost-effective and scalable, meeting all requirements for small to medium-sized enterprises.
I generally do not deal with big enterprise organizations that need large data warehouse solutions, however, it fits the needs of those with small to medium data volume requirements.
What is most valuable?
The Azure SQL Server database requires almost zero maintenance and management. Once I set it up on Azure cloud, everything is managed automatically by the service, allowing me to start working with the database without worrying about administration tasks that are typically needed for on-premise databases.
What needs improvement?
SQL Server database capacities could be further increased to be more accessible for larger data requirements. Although some of these needs are being addressed by other services like Delta Lake, improving SQL Server's capacity would make it more suitable for larger enterprises.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used the solution for more than five years, possibly seven or eight years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate the stability a ten out of ten. It’s robust and reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I would rate the scalability a ten out of ten, as it is highly scalable.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support service probably rates about an eight out of ten. It is very commendable.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is very straightforward and manageable, especially when setting it up on different occasions in the cloud environment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price point is very competitive and acceptable, often meeting approval from several clients who have used this solution.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend SQL Server to others. It's a highly effective tool for many applications.
I would rate the overall solution an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Information Technology Manager at a retailer with 51-200 employees
A stable solution that hosts ERP systems and connects with PowerBI
Pros and Cons
- "The ability to see tables, reviews, and custom script options is good."
- "The upgrades are unstable."
What is our primary use case?
We use SQL Server to host our ERP system. It serves both as the underlying database and server application software. This database solution handles all our ERP calls.
How has it helped my organization?
We use SQL Server to support Business Intelligence. It also connects with Power BI. We create all our views and datasets in SQL, specifically for Power BI. Previously, we used Tableau but transitioned to Power BI for all our analytics needs.
What is most valuable?
SQL Server provides access to audio information and audio tables. You can customize and create views. The ability to customize and upload these services is uncertain when migrating, but SQL in a local environment or Azure seems suitable for now. The ability to see tables, reviews, and custom script options is good.
What needs improvement?
The upgrades are unstable.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using SQL Server for several years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the solution’s stability an eight out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate the solution’s scalability a seven out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
The support is pretty good. We have never had to reach out to Microsoft for issues. It is a pretty solid application.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward. You need to install technical agents and create databases.
What other advice do I have?
We use Active Directory authentication. If you have access to the database, it's secure. Not everyone with access to the database can access it. Only our IT staff or those who require access have permission. It does offer a high level of control and security.
We have a small team. We could explore Azure Virtual Desktop or engage with local partners if we need additional technical knowledge. We employ a cloud gateway, enabling our SQL database to be somewhat cloud-based. This facilitates integration with various cloud applications, such as the Power Platform. We use Power Apps and Power Automate, allowing us to connect to our database in adaptable and scalable ways.
I recommend the solution if it meets your requirements.
Overall, I rate the solution an 8 out of 10.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Senior Data Engeer at Qbros
A server solution for transaction database with easy deployment
Pros and Cons
- "Excel integration is one of its most valuable features."
- "When transferring data from the SQL Server to Excel, the data types are not copied correctly. This issue might be associated with the formatting of the data types."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution for data quality purposes like checking, testing, and writing its cases using data validity and quality measurements.
What is most valuable?
The valuable features are Excel integration, writing a query in SQL Server, exporting the data, and copying the data.
What needs improvement?
When transferring data from the SQL Server to Excel, the data types are not copied correctly. This issue might be associated with the formatting of the data types. Specifically, the data types for dates and timestamps have not been copied correctly.
In SQL, as with other databases, abbreviations are commonly used to simplify tasks such as writing queries or commands.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using SQL Server for 3 years. We are using V18.0 of the solution.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product is stable. The community is big.
I rate the solution's stability a ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The data warehouse engine should be scalable. It's not scalable. We use it every single day.
I rate the solution's scalability a three out of ten.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have used Oracle Server.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward. The connection to the database is not straightforward. There are many ways to connect to the database. It may be tricky to choose which way to connect.
I rate it seven or eight out of ten, where one is difficult and ten is easy.
What other advice do I have?
The solution is good for a transaction database, but its performance is not very good. One or two persons are needed to maintain an SQL server.
I recommend the solution.
Overall, I rate the solution a seven 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.
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