Microsoft SQL Server
Updated May 05, 2021
Microsoft SQL Server
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Microsoft SQL Server
Our business's in house desktop and web applications run off a SQL Server database. We have used it (and abused it) for 12 or so years now. I don't personally have experience with other databases (a little MySQL) but so far I haven't come across a scenario where SQL Server has been lacking, and that is coming from someone who advocates putting the business logic in SP's (OK, let's not start down that path...).
- Stored procedures, efficient and so much easier to update business logic when under pressure!
- High availability always on groups (since 2012), is pretty easy to set up and just works - has been an absolute savior on 2 server failures.
- Fairly straightforward to administer out the box as it were (but this can be enhanced see below).
- So widely used that someone somewhere has probably faced the same challenges that you have so [to] find a guide, solution, suggested path is relatively easy (not strictly a SQL server thing but makes a massive difference knowing that you have access to huge resource with a well supported well adopted piece of software).
- Very well supported in terms of third party software to enhance administration (backups, performance, etc.).
- Enterprise is unbelievably expensive.
- Not tolerant of bad practices and poor query writing, really shows up when you do it badly!
- Deep insight into what is happening with query performance is not especially great (but as mentioned in the "Pros", software support from third parties does cover this).
- Fast to deliver adhoc reports for managers wanting to know what's going on. We have junior team members that have picked the language (and the business logic quickly enough to do that).
- Very reliable, cannot say I have had issue with the software (as mentioned had at least 2 unrelated hardware failures but Always On has saved us).
- Business logic in stored procedures allows for quick changes to enhance the business and allow for quick reactions to circumstance.
On this one, I cannot fairly comment as I was not involved in the original decision making behind choosing SQL Server. I am aware that MySQL was a contender, and as mentioned I have some experience but not vast. I am pleased that we didn't go with MySQL at least as I think that SQL Server is overall more powerful and more robust a product, but it is expensive in comparison.
Do you think Microsoft SQL Server delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with Microsoft SQL Server's feature set?
Yes
Did Microsoft SQL Server live up to sales and marketing promises?
I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process
Did implementation of Microsoft SQL Server go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy Microsoft SQL Server again?
Yes