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SQL Server -- Enterprise Data and Analytics in a Box
February 22, 2020

SQL Server -- Enterprise Data and Analytics in a Box

Anonymous | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Microsoft SQL Server

SQL Server is our go-to database for both on-prem and cloud database needs. We are running on-prem for 3rd party, custom applications, and the enterprise data warehouse. The Cloud is great for custom applications, as well as beginning to migrate to a data lake structure with Azure SQL DW. Other than embedded databases in a few apps, it is the only RDBMS technology we leverage, although we do run several different versions and editions (Azure SQL DB, Azure SQL DW, SQL Server 2016, 2017).
  • It's easier to manage than other RDBMS.
  • Good, mature, in-the-box interface for both development and administration.
  • It has a fully extending feature set for managing Azure SQL DB to SSMS and/or Azure Data Studio.
  • It's simplifying security/access setup for Azure SQL DB.
  • One type of RDBMS that fulfills the needs for multiple database scenarios means fewer resources are required for administration.
  • The full suite of products (Analysis Services, Integration Services, Reporting Services, Master Data Services, and RDBMS) in one box has reduced our vendor footprint.
For a single vendor solution, SQL Server is the best choice in my opinion. Most of the other solutions do not offer the full range of products in a single package. Also, for a largely Microsoft shop, there are additional integrations which increase the value proposition. From a pure RDBMS standpoint, Oracle stacks up well against SQL Server. As a former Oracle fanboy, I think it is still an excellent database. However, Oracle's strategy of acquisitions with rather scattershot levels of integration of their overlapping products makes them a less appealing choice beyond the RDBMS.
While there have been bumps along the road, Microsoft has steadily, and in some cases rapidly, improved the product. There has been a significant improvement in support since Nadella took over as CEO (this is across the board at Microsoft). Support directly from Microsoft has become more streamlined in my experience, with less wading through L1 to get to an answer beyond the basics. Also, the user community is very involved, and there are numerous forums that assist with answers.

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?

Yes

Did implementation of Microsoft SQL Server go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Microsoft SQL Server again?

Yes

I have been using MS SQL Server since version 7, and it has grown significantly in that time. While in the early days I would only grudgingly consider it for departmental level use, by 2005 it had reached enough of a level of stability and reliability that it was a good option for small to mid-size enterprise use. Today, I consider it the premiere RDBMS for virtually any scenario, particularly considering the number of options available. Microsoft's continuing pursuit of separating compute from storage also seems like the right direction, and allows for the compute engine to leverage big data scenarios as well, where the data is sufficiently structured to support utilizing external tables. This provides for use of familiar SQL tools against outsized data sets that do not fit easily in the RDBMS storage paradigm.