SQL Server is a comprehensive database management system known for ease of use, robust performance, and seamless Microsoft integration, making it a preferred choice for data management and analysis needs.


| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| SQL Server | 11.2% |
| Oracle Database | 11.2% |
| IBM Db2 Database | 6.5% |
| Other | 71.1% |
| Title | Rating | Mindshare | Recommending | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teradata | 4.1 | 3.9% | 88% | 83 interviewsAdd to research |
| Oracle Database | 4.3 | 11.2% | 92% | 292 interviewsAdd to research |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 99 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 52 |
| Large Enterprise | 99 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 443 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 237 |
| Large Enterprise | 1162 |
SQL Server offers high availability with Always On availability groups and dynamic memory configuration. It integrates effortlessly with Microsoft products via tools like SSMS and Visual Studio. Supporting advanced features such as replication, clustering, and in-memory OLTP, it provides a versatile platform for managing and analyzing significant data volumes securely and efficiently. While it shines in integration with .NET applications and business intelligence, there are opportunities to improve its scalability and integration with open-source platforms. Its licensing costs can be a barrier, and enhancements to management tools for non-technical users, along with better setup processes, would increase its appeal.
What are SQL Server's most important features?SQL Server is implemented across industries for database management, data warehousing, and business intelligence. Companies in finance, ERP, and cloud deployments leverage its capabilities for transactional processing, .NET program integration, and reporting. Enterprises particularly benefit from its scalability and cost-efficiency when integrated with Azure for small and medium-sized operations.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Data Warehouse Lead at Resurs Bank AB (publ.) | 4.0 | I find SQL Server excellent for OLTP/OLAP, particularly its immutable Ledger and seamless Microsoft integrations. However, I believe high availability and disaster recovery features, along with newer functionalities, need significant improvement and continuous development, despite generally good stability and scalability. |
| Manager - Production Database Administration at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees | 4.5 | I find SQL Server excellent for enterprise database management, appreciating its robust HADR, GUI, and cost-effectiveness. While setup is easy and scalability good, I wish for two-node write capabilities and improved, non-third-party customer support. |
| Subdirector of Support for Production at Servicios Electrónicos Globales -Oficial | 5.0 | I rate SQL Server 10/10 for its stability, availability, and excellent ETL, vital for financial reporting. However, its substantial cost, particularly for high availability, is a major drawback, making me consider alternatives despite positive support. |
| Data engineer at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees | 4.0 | I value SQL Server for its excellent backup, performance, security, and parallel processing, finding it stable and user-friendly. While licensing and scaling costs are high, its capabilities and support are strong, earning it an 8/10. |
| Infrastructure Coordinator at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees | 4.0 | I find SQL Server a good, easy-to-use solution with good performance across applications. Setup is simple and ROI is good. However, I believe better integration with other tools like Excel would be an improvement. |
| Database Developer at a university with 501-1,000 employees | 4.5 | I use SQL Server daily for .NET development and data management via SSMS and Redgate, appreciating its detailed error messages and time-saving features. While stable and scalable, I'd like more SSMS extensions. It's an essential, time-saving tool for my team. |
| Database administrator at K electric | 4.0 | I use SQL Server for its user-friendly interface and cost-effectiveness, offering excellent stability and support. The GUI simplifies monitoring, and I encounter no difficulties. I highly recommend it, rating it eight out of ten. |
| Cyber Security Engineer at Oyak Cimento | 3.5 | I find SQL Server valuable for data management, audit, and performance, offering good stability, scalability, and easy setup. However, I rate its technical support poorly and find it expensive. I don't recommend it, preferring free, high-performance alternatives. |