If you're a DBA or IT professional and your job involves using SQL Server, then you’ve likely encountered the challenge of selecting the right version for your organisation. With SQL Server currently in its 22nd major version - each with different features and capabilities - understanding which option is suitable for which project can be daunting. But don’t worry! In this blog post we'll give you a comprehensive overview of all the latest versions of Microsoft SQL Server to help you make informed decisions about your team's technology stack.
Introducing the Different SQL Server Versions
The diverse array of SQL Server versions available today represents the impressive evolution and robust capabilities of this highly sought-after relational database management system. As a critical component in the realm of data management, understanding the distinctions among various SQL Server iterations will empower businesses to harness the appropriate features and functionalities critical to their success. By exploring key aspects such as performance, scalability, and security, one can better comprehend the value of each version and ultimately identify the ideal system to meet the organization's stringent data requirements. From feature-rich editions tailored for large scale deployment to cost-effective, streamlined solutions for small or medium-sized enterprises, the SQL Server landscape is teeming with opportunities to optimize data management strategies for businesses across the globe.
Here is an overview of the main features and improvements introduced in different versions of SQL Server:
SQL Server 2019:
Intelligent query processing features such as batch mode on rowstore and table variable deferred compilation
In-memory technologies for optimized performance and scalability
Enhanced security with Always Encrypted with secure enclaves and Data Discovery and Classification
Big data clusters with integrated Apache Spark and Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) storage
Support for containers and Kubernetes
SQL Server 2017:
Cross-platform support for Windows, Linux, and Docker containers
Graph database capabilities with support for graph data modeling and analysis
Automatic database tuning with Adaptive Query Processing and Automatic Plan Correction
Enhanced security with Always Encrypted and SQL Server Audit
Resumable online index rebuilds
SQL Server 2016:
In-memory OLTP with up to 30x faster transaction processing
Real-time operational analytics with Always Encrypted
Native JSON support and integration with Azure Data Lake Store
Enhanced security with Row-Level Security and Dynamic Data Masking
Stretch Database for hybrid transactional and analytical processing
SQL Server 2014:
In-memory OLTP with up to 20x faster transaction processing
Enhanced performance and scalability with columnstore indexes
AlwaysOn Availability Groups for high availability and disaster recovery
Buffer pool extension with SSDs for improved performance
Backup encryption and backup to Microsoft Azure
SQL Server 2012:
AlwaysOn Availability Groups for high availability and disaster recovery
Columnstore indexes for enhanced performance and analytics
Support for Windows Server Core and PowerShell
User-defined server roles and Contained Databases for improved security
Sequence objects for reliable number generation
SQL Server 2008 R2:
Master Data Services for data governance and management
StreamInsight for real-time stream processing
SQL Server PowerPivot for self-service BI
Multi-Server Management for easier administration of multiple servers
Transparent Data Encryption for enhanced security
SQL Server 2008:
Resource Governor for managing and prioritizing workloads
Extended events for advanced troubleshooting and monitoring
Spatial data support for location-based queries and analysis
Change Data Capture for data change tracking
Group Policy support for easier administration
SQL Server 2005:
Common Language Runtime (CLR) integration for enhanced programmability
Service Broker for reliable messaging and queuing
Database Mirroring for high availability and disaster recovery
Dynamic Management Views and Functions for better monitoring and troubleshooting
Database Snapshots for point-in-time recovery and reporting
SQL Server 2000:
Analysis Services for OLAP and data mining
Distributed Partitioned Views for distributed queries
Indexed Views for enhanced query performance
DTS (Data Transformation Services) for ETL (Extract, Transform, Load)
English Query for natural language queries
Comparing SQL Server Versions and Their Cost
Here is a comparison of the SQL Server versions mentioned above and their estimated costs (as of March 2023):
SQL Server 2019 Standard Edition:
Pricing: Starts at $3,586 for a 2-core license
Features: Basic database management capabilities, some BI features
Suitable for: Small to medium-sized businesses
SQL Server 2019 Enterprise Edition:
Pricing: Starts at $13,748 for a 2-core license
Features: Advanced features such as high availability, scalability, and security features
Suitable for: Large enterprises with high transactional volumes
SQL Server 2017 Standard Edition:
Pricing: Starts at $3,586 for a 2-core license
Features: Basic database management capabilities, some BI features
Suitable for: Small to medium-sized businesses
SQL Server 2017 Enterprise Edition:
Pricing: Starts at $13,748 for a 2-core license
Features: Advanced features such as high availability, scalability, and security features
Suitable for: Large enterprises with high transactional volumes
SQL Server 2016 Standard Edition:
Pricing: Starts at $3,586 for a 2-core license
Features: In-memory OLTP, Real-time operational analytics, Native JSON support
Suitable for: Small to medium-sized businesses
SQL Server 2016 Enterprise Edition:
Pricing: Starts at $13,748 for a 2-core license
Features: In-memory OLTP, Real-time operational analytics, Native JSON support
Suitable for: Large enterprises with high transactional volumes
SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition:
Pricing: Starts at $3,586 for a 2-core license
Features: In-memory OLTP, Columnstore indexes, AlwaysOn Availability Groups
Suitable for: Small to medium-sized businesses
SQL Server 2014 Enterprise Edition:
Pricing: Starts at $13,748 for a 2-core license
Features: In-memory OLTP, Columnstore indexes, AlwaysOn Availability Groups
Suitable for: Large enterprises with high transactional volumes
Wrapping Up: A Quick Recap of the SQL Server Versions
As we reflect upon the evolution of SQL Server, it is important to acknowledge the significant strides this relational database management system has made since its inception. Originating from the partnership between Microsoft and Sybase in the late 1980s, SQL Server has grown substantially and become an indispensable tool for data management, analytics, and business intelligence.
Throughout its progression, there have been several notable versions, each contributing distinct improvements such as enhanced security features, introduction of spatial data types, and the option of deploying to cloud platforms. Ultimately, by understanding the technical advancements and successes of previous SQL Server versions, we can better anticipate the trajectory of this ever-evolving technology and harness its potential to drive data-driven insights within organizations across various industries.