Introduction

Microsoft SQL Server is a database engine for storing, managing, and retrieving large volumes of data. It includes tools for administering databases, data access libraries that enable applications to communicate with the database, and utilities for replicating and synchronizing copies of data across multiple sites. SQL Server also delivers a business intelligence (BI) platform capable of extracting raw data from operational applications and databases and summarizing and analyzing the data to facilitate decisions based on measures culled from day-to-day business activities.

SQL Server is typically used as a back-end database for a custom-developed project or as a data repository for a Microsoft or third-party server application, such as SAP’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. With the notable exception of Exchange Server, the overwhelming majority of Microsoft server-based products rely on SQL Server exclusively to store application data, and some rely on SQL Server for reporting and analysis functions. Consequently, licensing Microsoft server products, as well as some third-party systems, often also involves licensing SQL Server.