Updated: July 16, 2020 (October 16, 2017)

SQL Server Life Cycle

Andrew analyzes and writes about Microsoft's data management, business intelligence, and machine learning solutions, as well as aspects of licensing... more

The latest version of SQL Server shipped in September 2017. SQL Server 2017 delivers new database management, business intelligence (BI), graph table, and machine learning features to address complex workloads; includes a stand-alone report server that hosts Power BI reports; and releases a limited version for Linux. Future SQL Server releases (shown here as SQL Server 2018) will probably deliver incremental changes in all areas of the product, as the team attempts to deliver a new version annually, as compared to the two- to three-year gap of previous releases.

SQL Server 2016 reached general availability on June 1, 2016, and received SP1 in Nov. 2016, which contained bug fixes and shifted a set of features between editions, bringing some Enterprise edition features to lower editions in a limited form. Customers need to apply SP1 by Jan. 9, 2018, to continue receiving support.

SQL Server 2014 reached general availability on Apr. 1, 2014, and received SP1 in Apr. 2015 and SP2 in July 2016. SP1 reached end of life on Oct. 10, 2017, and SP2 must now be applied in order to continue receiving support.

Atlas Members have full access

Get access to this and thousands of other unbiased analyses, roadmaps, decision kits, infographics, reference guides, and more, all included with membership. Comprehensive access to the most in-depth and unbiased expertise for Microsoft enterprise decision-making is waiting.

Membership Options

Already have an account? Login Now