SQL Server 2017 Released to Windows, Linux

SQL Server 2017 aims to be a one-stop data management and business intelligence (BI) solution, regardless of data type, process, or platform. It enhances traditional database capabilities, incorporates Power BI technology and report hosting, expands machine learning options, and addresses new workloads with features such as graph tables. The version is available on Windows and Linux, which could help reduce cost and management effort and appeal to organizations with existing SQL skills and investments. However, the Linux version is limited compared to the Windows version, some new BI features require subscriptions, and the new graph tables are not as functional as competitors.

SQL Server Overview

SQL Server is Microsoft’s database management and BI platform. The latest version, SQL Server 2017 became generally available in Sept. 2017. (See the illustration “SQL Server Life Cycle“.)

SQL Server includes the following key components:

• Database management features, which include the database