SQL Server 2016 SP1 Expands Standard and Express Editions

SQL Server 2016 SP1 delivers expected bug fixes and new performance and deployment features, but it also repackages lower editions with limited access to key in-memory performance and advanced security features that were previously restricted to Enterprise edition. The features may not provide significant benefit in a production environment, but the change should help organizations deploy and support a database application in multiple environments that may use different editions of SQL Server. Some features require a separately installed feature pack.

Standard and Express Receive Enterprise Capabilities

SQL Server 2016 SP1, released in Nov. 2016, is a unique release for a service pack and repackages Standard and Express editions to include several performance and security features that were previously restricted to Enterprise edition. (For a detailed discussion of the features and limitations by edition, see the chart “SQL Server Database Feature Comparison“.)

The repackaging does not bring parity between the editions, and many of the features (specifically the performance features) are constrained in the lower editions. Consequently, their availability may not provide significant benefit in a production environment, although they could help developers create applications using those features that work more consistently across editions without modification. This could help organizations deploy and support a database application in multiple environments that may use different editions of SQL Server.