SQL Database

Licensing Reference
Licensing reference materials are continuously updated, highly-detailed entries covering Microsoft licensing terms, procedures, practices and timelines.
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Product Reference
Product reference materials are clear, concise definitions and descriptions of Microsoft's ever-growing catalog of products and services.
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SQL Database Roadmap Posts
All SQL Database Roadmaps
SQL Database Roadmap
Azure SQL Database is a multitenant relational database management cloud service based on SQL Server’s... more
SQL Database Analyst Reports
All SQL Database Reports
SQL Server 2025 Adds Natural Language Search the Right Way
June 26, 2025
SQL Server 2025 will include a natural language search capability (called vector search) that can...more
SQL Server Management Studio Update Adds Paid Copilot
Updated: January 26, 2025
A new version of SQL Server Management Studio brings the most significant updates to the...more
How to Get Azure SQL Storage Costs Under Control
Updated: August 26, 2024
Costs of Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance can be significantly affected by...more
Azure Data Share Generally Available
Updated: August 19, 2024
Azure Data Share helps organizations share data stored in Azure with other Azure customers and...more
Database Offerings 2024: Overview and Roadmap
Updated: August 12, 2024
Microsoft offers many database products and services, and customers need to narrow the broad field...more
Evaluating Your SQL Server 2014 Migration Options
Updated: July 26, 2024
Organizations already should have plans to migrate off SQL Server 2014, which reaches the end...more
Database Offerings 2024: Understanding SQL-Based Options
Updated: July 15, 2024
SQL Server remains Microsoft’s preferred structured database management technology for on-premises and Azure deployments, making...more
Choosing Power BI: Part 5. Data Management
Updated: July 8, 2024
(NOTE: The options for choosing Power BI platforms were substantially changed with the introduction of...more
Discounts for Long-Running Azure SQL Data Workloads
Updated: April 23, 2024
Two exclusive purchasing options can be used to reduce costs for all types of long-running...more
Comparing SQL Server Options in Azure & On-Premises
Updated: April 12, 2024
Azure SQL Server–based cloud offerings provide a viable alternative to most on-premises SQL Server deployments....more
Tracking Azure Hybrid Benefit for SQL Server
Updated: February 10, 2024
Azure Hybrid Benefit could reduce costs for customers using SQL Server–based offerings in Azure. Tracking...more
Database Migration Service Focuses on Data Studio
Updated: December 4, 2023
Azure Database Migration Service provides tools and processes for automating large database moves to Azure...more
SQL Server 2008, 2008 R2 End Extended Support
Updated: November 27, 2023
SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 left Extended support on July 9, 2019; organizations should...more
Database Migration Service: Forcing SQL Server to Data Studio
Updated: June 12, 2023
Azure Database Migration Service (classic) is ending support for SQL Server migrations; customers will need...more
SQL Server 2012 Migration Options
Updated: May 31, 2023
Organizations should already have plans to migrate from SQL Server 2012, which reaches the end...more
SQL Server 2022: First Version to Use Azure Active Directory
Updated: May 31, 2023
SQL Server 2022 is the first version capable of directly using Azure Active Directory for...more
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Mary Jo Foley