SQL Server 2017 Expands Machine Learning, Supports Python

Machine Learning Services in SQL Server 2017 will add the Python programming language and improve performance for more intensive workloads. Previously called R Services, Machine Learning Services is a built-in component that enables organizations to develop and train models on a variety of data sources for automated decision-making tasks such as predictive maintenance and fraud detection. Including machine learning languages in SQL Server allows organizations to leverage existing T-SQL skills and investments to integrate machine learning into daily business activities.

Why Run Machine Learning Scripts in SQL Server?

Machine learning scripts and processes are developed by highly trained analysts and data scientists in languages such as Python and R. They process historical or current data coming from operational systems to develop and apply models for prediction or decision-making tasks, such as social media sentiment analysis, weather pattern prediction, equipment failure-rate analysis, and biopharmaceutical risk analysis. In many organizations, machine learning scripts are developed and then run on either local computers by analysts, middle-tier application servers that are separated from the data, or distributed data environments such as Hadoop.