SQL Server 2022: Short Public Preview Adds Risk

• SQL Server 2022, expected in late 2022, will have a short public preview compared to previous versions.
• Less time to find and fix real-world problems means risk is shifting to early adopters.
• Using traditional features and migrating from previous versions is low risk.
• Azure-connected capabilities and other new features should be approached with caution.

SQL Server 2022, unlike previous versions, will not have the benefit of a full year in public preview. Instead, customers might have less than five months to test new features and provide feedback to Microsoft. The level of risk depends on which features are used, but in general, Directions on Microsoft recommends customers test the new version but hold off on production deployments until Microsoft fixes inevitable first-year problems.

Concerns

In April 2022, Microsoft announced SQL Server 2022 will enter public preview in mid-2022, probably in June, and be generally available by late 2022, likely in October at the PASS conference. Traditionally, SQL Server offered a year-long public preview, called a community technology preview (CTP), where customers had an opportunity to test new features with real-world deployments and report issues to Microsoft, which it endeavours to fix before general availability. CTP is distinctly different from the private preview, where select customers work closely with Microsoft to help develop the product.