Microsoft SQL Server is one of the most innovative software products available on the market today. SQL Server is designed to store and retrieve data in the most efficient way possible, which—as we continue to move into the information era—is something that has proven itself to be particularly necessary. Finding better ways to store and retrieve data can enable businesses to gain an otherwise unrealized competitive advantage and can also enable individuals to work whatever tasks they may have at hand with much greater ease.
One of the great things about Microsoft SQL Server is that it comes in a variety of different forms that are each uniquely designed to meet the specific needs of various target audiences. Obviously, large corporations and individuals working from home will have a very different set of software requirements. SQL Server takes these differences into account, and has created over a dozen different editions.
When deciding to buy Microsoft SQL Server, it is important to consider who you are working with. As is unfortunately the case with many Microsoft products, there are a wide variety of suppliers on the market who are trying to sell pirated software, or are trying to sell illegitimate versions of the software. To avoid these situations, and in order to be supplied with the version of the product that could best meet your specific needs, it is important to work with a licensed Microsoft software provider (don’t worry, you still will have plenty to choose from).
What is Microsoft SQL Server?
The Microsoft SQL Server is a database server that utilizes Microsoft’s unique relational management system. The primary function of this server is retrieving and storing data as it is requested by other software applications. This makes the SQL Server particularly compatible for multi-computer operations or operations that are highly reliant on using internet applications.
Using a relational management system, data is stored and organized into columns. These columns are interrelated, and when the user requires data to be delivered, the specific way in which they are structured enables such data to easily be found. Furthermore, the SQL Server is excellent for gathering data-based statistics, being customized to meet the particular needs of a given client, and being able to efficiently maximize the amount of storage space available on a particular server.
How is Microsoft SQL Server distinguishable from other software?
Because the SQL Server is a relational database model, it is notably different from many of the hierarchal databases or network databases that have previously dominated the industry. Relational databases have become increasingly popular over time because they are easier to use and understand, and are also capable of retrieving information in a more efficient manner. While the hierarchal systems require the use of a very rigid system that perpetually stores certain types of data irreversibly “above” or “below” one another relation database management systems (RDMS) organize data in way that—as the name might imply—can be related to each other more flexibly in accordance with the specific situation.
SQL Server has been distinguished as being particularly useful for large organizations because it can seamless integrate multiple different devices onto the same model. It has also been noted as being an excellent operating system for international organizations because it is available in 11 different languages (English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Indonesian).
What are the different editions of Microsoft SQL Server that are available?
Because of Microsoft’s commitment to creating customized business solutions that are able to address the specific needs, size, and goals of a given enterprise, the company has produced quite a number of different editions of SQL Server. Having been most recently launched towards the end of 2016, these various editions take into account the wide varieties of uses a business might need a server for.
Some of the most popular editions currently include:
- Enterprise- includes add-on services and the core database engine; also includes a variety of different management options.
- Standard- includes stand-alone services along with the core database engine; less expensive than the enterprise edition, but is also marginally less capable.
- Web- a low-cost option available for web hosting.
- Business Intelligence- includes a number of different business intelligence tools designed to increase business efficiency, functionality, and performance.
- Express- the down-scaled, free edition of the SQL Server. An excellent place to start for organizations looking for a trial edition before making a financial commitment.
- Azure- increasingly popular cloud-based version of SQL Server.
- Compact- specifically designed to be compatible with mobile and handheld devices.
- Developer- used for the development and testing of new applications; cheaper, but limited (per licensing agreement) to use in the development phase.
- Fast Track- specifically designed for enterprise-scale data warehousing.
- Datawarehouse Appliance- partnered with Dell & HP to help increase cross-brand functionality and maximize data storage options.
Beyond these, there are still numerous other versions of Microsoft SQL Server that can be purchased. Each of these server varieties has a number of pros and cons associated with it, and the one that is right for your organization will depend on which stage in the business cycle it is in, what the ultimate goals of the organization are, and the financial constraints of the organization as a whole.
The importance of functioning business intelligence systems cannot be overstated. To find the best solutions available, it can be tremendously beneficial to work with an official Microsoft partner along the way.
Why is it actually important to work with a licensed Microsoft software provider?
There are a number of reasons why it is important to work with a licensed Microsoft partner, the first of which being their experience and expertise will enable them to find the right edition of their products that is best for your specific organization. With the in-depth knowledge and advice that these certified partners can offer you, they can comprehensively examine the needs and goals of your business and point you in the direction of the edition that will maximize your return on investment by providing you exactly what you need without having to pay too much.
Furthermore, only by working with an official Microsoft partner can you be sure that you are getting your final product legally, legitimately, and fully. There is a reason so many software providers are willing to go through so much work in order to assure that they are officially recognized as Microsoft partners—they know the importance of maintaining a strong reputation in the industry, and are willing to put in the time, effort, and training necessary to distinguish themselves as the best.
The SQL Server is indeed a revolutionary product that can enhance the operations component of any enterprising organization, no matter its size, stage in the business cycle, or ultimate goals may be. Microsoft has established itself as the premier brand of software in the industry because of its mission to provide quality products and services for all that are capable of realizing lasting solutions. Though the specific ways in which the server itself actually operates may indeed be complex, once it has been installed and fully integrated into an organization, it is something that is quite easy to use and all companies can immediately begin to benefit from.
