SQL Server is used to establish secure storage and protect databases from potential vulnerabilities, including those originating from Slack.
BI Developer at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Provides comprehensive functionality that makes tasks incredibly easy
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable aspect is the ability to utilize jobs and various functions to accomplish specific tasks, which cannot be achieved with standard procedures alone. This allows for a combination of features and functionalities to be employed."
- "I have experience working with SQL Server 2016 and older versions, including handling JSON data. Initially, I found the JSON capabilities to be less helpful, but over time, they have greatly improved. SQL Server now offers extensive capabilities for working with various forms of data, particularly when communicating with text, such as in JSON format. I particularly prefer working with these features on Azure, as it provides numerous possibilities, especially in the field of business intelligence (BI). Additionally, the serverless platform offered by Azure is highly beneficial and makes tasks easier to manage."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The most valuable aspect is the ability to use jobs and various functions to accomplish specific tasks, which cannot be achieved with standard procedures alone. This allows for a combination of features and functionalities to be employed.
What needs improvement?
I have experience working with SQL Server 2016 and older versions, including handling JSON data. Initially, I found the JSON capabilities to be less helpful, but over time, they have greatly improved.
SQL Server now offers extensive capabilities for working with various forms of data, particularly when communicating with text, such as in JSON format.
I particularly prefer working with these features on Azure, as it provides numerous possibilities, especially in the field of business intelligence (BI). Additionally, the serverless platform offered by Azure is highly beneficial and makes tasks easier to manage.
I have not seen significant returns thus far, but I am eager to enhance my experience by transitioning to work in Azure. This shift to Azure is something I am motivated to improve upon.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with SQL Server since 2018.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We have not had any issues with the stability of SQL Server.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability is dependent on memory.
The matter at hand pertains to whether we are discussing an issue in general or specifically in the context of on-premises environments. However, it is clear that memory and capacity are significant factors in both scenarios.
Proper management of memory and capacity is essential to ensure smooth system operation and prevent any performance or stability issues.
As a result, it is essential to handle these issues completely and appropriately in order to meet the system's requirements.
How are customer service and support?
I have not contacted technical support.
How was the initial setup?
The installation process is not complex, but it requires attention to detail in terms of selecting the necessary services and configuring the Cisco server.
This ensures a proper setup and a tangible model for effective management. While it may not be complicated, it is important to choose the appropriate features during installation.
Working with ID was not my primary focus; however, I have had the opportunity to work with it for several companies.
What about the implementation team?
It can take an hour to an hour and a half to deploy.
Maintaining it is more challenging than the initial setup. One of the main concerns is ensuring sufficient memory allocation. The default capacity is typically set around sixty, but it can be increased if needed. If there is insufficient memory, it can lead to server downtime and cancellation of transactions, as exceeding the memory limit poses a risk. Therefore, it becomes crucial to address this issue by allocating more memory resources. Additionally, backups and restores play a significant role in ensuring data safety and recovery in case of any issues.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
For a brief period, approximately one year before 2018, I had experience working with the open-source version of SQL Server. During that time, I found SQL Server to be the preferred choice, in my opinion.
What other advice do I have?
I developed an application for specific purposes related to McDonough. Using Microsoft SQL Server, I constructed the entire database and implemented supporting stored procedures. This application was commissioned by the European Union to enhance government institutions and similar entities.
Additionally, I worked on financial-related stored procedures specifically related to Serbia Card, as part of a project for the USA.
We acted as a subcontractor for S&P within your company. I have extensive experience in SQL Server, particularly within the Microsoft environment.
They should think twice before they do anything and double-check. Definitely.
I have explored different options such as SonicWall and open-source solutions, but my preference lies with SQL Server. I find SQL Server to be fantastic, as it provides comprehensive functionality and makes tasks incredibly easy.
Working with Postgres is also simpler compared to other databases like Oracle. Perhaps my familiarity with Excel has made SQL Server more intuitive for me. While I understand that Oracle is known for its complexity, I appreciate that its code and syntax bear similarities.
Overall, I have a strong affinity for Microsoft products.
I would rate SQL Server a ten out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Sr. Systems Analyst at a maritime company with 10,001+ employees
Low-cost product that does what you want and is easy to set up
Pros and Cons
- "Microsoft is less demanding because everything is GUI, unlike Oracle, where you need to use command lines."
- "SQL is a highly unstable server - there are patch updates on the Windows server every week, which is why we only use it for non-critical systems."
What needs improvement?
Performance-wise, SQL cannot handle large amounts of data. In the next release, I would like them to commission SQL Server on Linux, as has been announced in the past but has not yet happened.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using SQL Server for thirteen to fourteen years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
SQL is a highly unstable server - there are patch updates on the Windows server every week, which is why we only use it for non-critical systems.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was very easy - much, much easier than Oracle - and took about a day to complete. Microsoft is less demanding because everything is GUI, unlike Oracle, where you need to use command lines.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
This is a very cheap product.
What other advice do I have?
SQL's performance is good enough if you have a low amount of data. For those looking into implementing SQL Server, I would advise first analyzing your requirements and whether your system is critical or non-critical. If it is non-critical, go for SQL as it will save you in terms of cost, but if it is critical, avoid SQL as it will bring you down in one day. I would rate this solution as eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
SQL Server
October 2025
Learn what your peers think about SQL Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2025.
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IT Manager at Drukarnia Interak sp. z o.o.
Has good stability
Pros and Cons
- "We're satisfied with the stability."
- "We pay a license fee, it could always be cheaper."
What is our primary use case?
This is the main database for our financial system. I'm the IT manager and we are customers of SQL server.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been using this solution for many years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We're satisfied with the stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have around 100 users. The database isn't used directly, so users are not even aware that there is a SQL Server underneath.
How are customer service and support?
There are some local companies that have direct relations with Microsoft. We use them regularly when we need some support.
How was the initial setup?
I don't recall, it's been many years since we implemented this product.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We pay a license fee, it could always be cheaper.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend this solution and rate it 10 out of 10.
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.
ESM Specialist at LetsCloudIT
Synchronization of nodes is very useful and there is no downtime for maintenance needs
Pros and Cons
- "It's great that the nodes are synchronized so if you lose one it automatically moves to another."
- "Could have additional security."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution to store our data and for running queries, simple select queries that enable me to create the views I need and report from those views. I'm an ESM specialist and we are customers of SQL Server.
What is most valuable?
I like the stability of the solution, the fact that you have two, three, four nodes replicating at any given time at different locations, and they're all synchronized; if one is lost it automatically moves to another. The other advantage here is that when it comes to application maintenance, you switch onto another node while you maintain another server and there's no downtime.
What needs improvement?
The solution could have additional security.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is easily scalable because of its flexibility.
How was the initial setup?
I don't do the installation, but it appears straightforward according to those who carried out the implementation. These days deployment takes about an hour. We have 1,200 or so users. With the onboarding of more customers, we'll be increasing our use of SQL Server. For now, we have one person dealing with maintenance.
What other advice do I have?
I rate this solution nine out of 10.
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.
Chief Information Officer at SYNOVA CONSULTANCT
High performance, setup straightforward, but priced high
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature of SQL Server is the performance."
What is our primary use case?
We use SQL Server for developing systems.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of SQL Server is the performance.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using SQL Server for years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have approximately three people who are using this solution.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support from Microsoft has been good.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of SQL Server is straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
We have two administrators that did the implementation of the solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of SQL Server could be reduced, the license is expensive. We have an annual subscription.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend SQL Server to others.
I rate SQL Server a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Testing Lead at Enstoa
Integrates well, good support, and quick deployment
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features of SQL Server are the speed, great support, and it is from a known vendor."
- "The security features of the solution could be better."
What is our primary use case?
We are using SQL Server for data processing.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of SQL Server are the speed, great support, and it is from a known vendor.
What needs improvement?
The security features of the solution could be better.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used SQL Server within the past 12 months.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
SQL Server is a scalable solution.
We have approximately 200 users using this solution. We increase the number of users every year.
How are customer service and support?
I have not contacted their technical support.
How was the initial setup?
The process for the deployment is straightforward. It takes approximately four hours to complete.
What about the implementation team?
We did the implementation of SQL Server in-house. We have eight people managing the solution. The team includes managers, technicians, and administrators.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There is a subscription that needs to be purchased to use the solution.
What other advice do I have?
I would advise others this is a good Microsoft solution.
I rate SQL Server 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.
Senior Systems Engineer at NTT DATA
Good usability, satisfactory performance, and easy setup
Pros and Cons
- "Its usability is very good. Its performance is satisfactory."
- "Their support could be better. There should be more visibility on the progress of the ticket, and their last line of support should be more knowledgeable. Other than that, we have nothing to complain about."
What is our primary use case?
It is for supporting our custom applications. We have a number of custom applications that we use that have SQL embedded.
I am using the version before the latest one.
What is most valuable?
Its usability is very good. Its performance is satisfactory.
What needs improvement?
Their support could be better. There should be more visibility on the progress of the ticket, and their last line of support should be more knowledgeable. Other than that, we have nothing to complain about.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for seven to eight years.
How are customer service and support?
Their support could be better. Sometimes, you don't have much visibility of how your service request is progressing. There should be more visibility, and the last line of support should be more knowledgeable.
How was the initial setup?
It was straightforward. It took two to three hours.
What about the implementation team?
We have internal staff for its implementation. We have a team of about three or four people who are well-versed with SQL Server, and we have 30 to 40 users who use this solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
You need to pay for the license. It most probably has per-core licensing.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution to others. We are satisfied with the product in general. Overall, I'd rate it an eight 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.
Information Technology Security Officer at South African National Accreditation System (sanas)
Beneficial support system, highly scalable and reliable
Pros and Cons
- "SQL Server is very scalable because we use it across a couple of different types of applications, such as micro-infrastructure setup and server farm."
- "SQL Server could improve by being more user-friendly, it is still geared towards specialists. Additionally, the monitoring system is difficult to use, not everyone can use it well. The configuration should be able to be done through the GUI."
What is our primary use case?
All our databases are using Microsoft SQL. It supports our application, such as HR and finance.
What needs improvement?
SQL Server could improve by being more user-friendly, it is still geared towards specialists. Additionally, the monitoring system is difficult to use, not everyone can use it well. The configuration should be able to be done through the GUI.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using SQL Server for approximately 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
SQL Server is highly stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
SQL Server is very scalable because we use it across a couple of different types of applications, such as micro-infrastructure setup and server farm.
The solution is suitable for any environment, such as small, medium, and large enterprises.
How are customer service and support?
SQL Server support system is well-established. It's a Microsoft solution therefore you receive support very easily. It is the number one selling point of SQL Server. I have been highly satisfied with the support.
How was the initial setup?
SQL Server's initial setup is simple. However, you must be a specialist to do it. That's the unfriendliness that I see about the solution. It has to be done by an engineer and not any engineer can do it, you have to be a specific Microsoft engineer.
What other advice do I have?
My advice to others would be to create a standard for SQL Server to allow a high level of security. What we did is, we adopted CIS, which is the Center for Information Security, hardening standards and benchmarks to keep it secure. SQL Server out of the box comes with a lot of unnecessary services that can make you very vulnerable to any site attack.
I rate SQL Server an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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Updated: October 2025
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