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Prashant Baste - PeerSpot reviewer
Sr. Solution Architect at Team Computers
Real User
Top 5
Very fast with an easy initial setup and reasonable pricing
Pros and Cons
  • "The initial setup isn't overly complex."
  • "The backup capacity needs to be bigger."

What is our primary use case?

We are primarily using the solution for pulling data and analysis.

In the auto industry, are the dealer management systems for which there is kind of portals from which the dealers are maintaining information can have access to retail data, bookings, and details surrounding individual customers.

We are fetching data and using it for analytics purposes, basically.

What is most valuable?

The basic features of the solution are excellent overall.

The initial setup isn't overly complex.

The pricing is reasonable.

The solution scales well.

The solutions very fast. It reads and writes six to eight times faster than any other tool.

What needs improvement?

The solution is very different from Oracle, which is a product we also use.

Mainly the data capacity needs to be improved. The data values are limited. They are smaller or medium scale. The MySQL is working fine, however, when it comes to large data sets or large data volumes, Oracle can handle them better. The backup capacity needs to be bigger.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

When it's medium or small-scale data volume, people are referring to MySQL, however, when the data volume grows the people are referring to Oracle. In my estimation, the stability is fine.

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What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability of the product is pretty good. It can scale effectively and expands better than other options.

We have around 40 users on the solution currently.

Our main usage is not for the database and we simply use basic aspects of the platform.

How are customer service and support?

Technical support isn't an aspect of the solution I know too much about. I've never been in direct contact with them. Therefore, I can't speak to how helpful or responsive they are. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We also currently use Oracle. 

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup isn't too complex or difficult. It's pretty straightforward. It's less complex of a process as compared to other solutions.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The cost isn't overly expensive. It's very reasonable. Our customers are happy with the price. It's in a good range.

What other advice do I have?

We are partners with Microsoft. We use multiple deployment models, and typically those are private cloud or on-premises options.

Overall, I would rate the solution at an eight out of ten. We've been mostly very satisfied with the capabilities of the product. It's fast. It's our preferred product.

I'd recommend the solution to other users and organizations.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
PeerSpot user
Kevin Honde - PeerSpot reviewer
Data Solution Architect at Econet Wireless Zimbabwe
Real User
Top 10
Easy to manage, stable and scalable, and has backup and recovery tools
Pros and Cons
  • "It is easy to manage for the administrator. It is also easy to use for applications that are Windows-based. It is a very stable product, and it has got backup and recovery tools."
  • "Its security can be improved. When you look at the Windows environment, it isn't the most secure environment. It is exposed to so many attacks. They continuously need to improve the security of the platform on which it sits."

What is our primary use case?

SQL Server is used as database software. People who are using .NET and Windows-oriented tools prefer SQL Server.

What is most valuable?

It is easy to manage for the administrator. It is also easy to use for applications that are Windows-based.

It is a very stable product, and it has got backup and recovery tools.

What needs improvement?

Its security can be improved. When you look at the Windows environment, it isn't the most secure environment. It is exposed to so many attacks. They continuously need to improve the security of the platform on which it sits.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for more than ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is very stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is pretty scalable. You can scale your machine and nodes. Instead of using just one node or one server, you can use multiple servers and then cluster them together for failover and performance. You can also do replication across sites. Currently, we have around 50 users.

How are customer service and technical support?

We have got support from Microsoft. They are very quick at resolving issues. They are quite good.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We were using different products. 

How was the initial setup?

It is easy to install. It might take 20 or 30 minutes to install.

What about the implementation team?

I installed it myself.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Its price is fine. You have to buy the license and support.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We compared it with Oracle and MySQL. We got a lot of dev inputs, and we also looked at the vendors supplying the solutions. We found SQL Server to be the best and chose it because of the vendor.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution to others. We would definitely keep on using this solution.

I would rate SQL Server an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
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SQL Server
November 2024
Learn what your peers think about SQL Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2024.
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Girish Vijay - PeerSpot reviewer
Deputy Manager IT at Carl Bechem Lubricants India Pvt. Ltd.
Real User
Top 5
Users can quickly and efficiently retrieve a large amount of records from a database
Pros and Cons
  • "The latest version supports for big data analytics. SQL Server's vector processing-based batch execution mode is now available to the entire execution of R or Python code. Since much of the work that tends to be done in R and Python involves aggregation, batch mode - which processes rows of data several at a time, can be very helpful."
  • "CAL licenses should cost less. Microsoft usually prices high for client access licenses. Server plus user client access license (CAL) licensing requires a separate Server license for each server on which the software is installed, plus a user CAL for each user accessing the server."

What is our primary use case?

ERP Database.

Using the SQL queries, the user can quickly and efficiently retrieve a large number of records from a database. In standard SQL, it is very easy to manage the database system. It doesn't require a substantial amount of code to manage the database system. Long established are used by the SQL databases that are being used by ISO and ANSI. Using the SQL language, the users can make different views of the database structure.SQL has a difficult interface that makes few users uncomfortable while dealing with the database.

How has it helped my organization?

Microsoft database is very user friendly. This new version of SQL Server continues to meet these twin demands. It adds new features from the worlds of data science and NoSQL. It offers cross-platform capabilities and Docker container compatibility. But it also reinforces its investment in core database engine performance, ease of index maintenance, high availability, and data warehouse performance. That's a difficult balance and one that other database vendors don't have to meet. While this may be Microsoft's cross to bear, the company does pretty well with it, turning a formidable challenge into a positive market differentiator.

What is most valuable?

The latest version supports for big data analytics. SQL Server's vector processing-based batch execution mode is now available to the entire execution of R or Python code. Since much of the work that tends to be done in R and Python involves aggregation, batch mode - which processes rows of data several at a time, can be very helpful. Two other new batch mode features, memory grant feedback, and adaptive joins will enhance SQL Server's performance and efficiency as well. It is good to move from Microsoft to deal with big data analytics

What needs improvement?

CAL licenses should cost less. Microsoft usually prices high for client access licenses. Server plus user client access license (CAL) licensing requires a separate Server license for each server on which the software is installed, plus a user CAL for each user accessing the server. A SQL Server CAL is required for a user to access or use the services or functionality of either edition of SQL Server and frequent updates to the latest versions will lead to obsolete and discontinuing the security patches has to be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

Since two years

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Very good stability with 250-300 users.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This product can withstand with 250-300 users.

How are customer service and technical support?

Very good.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

SQL standard 2008.

How was the initial setup?

Straightforward - no complexity.

What about the implementation team?

Vendor team with an in-house team.

What was our ROI?

2 years.

What other advice do I have?

It is an overall very good product.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Miyoba Sichimwi - PeerSpot reviewer
Information Technology Security Officer at South African National Accreditation System (sanas)
Real User
Top 10
Beneficial support system, highly scalable and reliable
Pros and Cons
  • "SQL Server is very scalable because we use it across a couple of different types of applications, such as micro-infrastructure setup and server farm."
  • "SQL Server could improve by being more user-friendly, it is still geared towards specialists. Additionally, the monitoring system is difficult to use, not everyone can use it well. The configuration should be able to be done through the GUI."

What is our primary use case?

All our databases are using Microsoft SQL. It supports our application, such as HR and finance.

What needs improvement?

SQL Server could improve by being more user-friendly, it is still geared towards specialists. Additionally, the monitoring system is difficult to use, not everyone can use it well. The configuration should be able to be done through the GUI.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using SQL Server for approximately 10 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

SQL Server is highly stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

SQL Server is very scalable because we use it across a couple of different types of applications, such as micro-infrastructure setup and server farm.

The solution is suitable for any environment, such as small, medium, and large enterprises. 

How are customer service and support?

SQL Server support system is well-established. It's a Microsoft solution therefore you receive support very easily. It is the number one selling point of SQL Server. I have been highly satisfied with the support.

How was the initial setup?

SQL Server's initial setup is simple. However, you must be a specialist to do it. That's the unfriendliness that I see about the solution. It has to be done by an engineer and not any engineer can do it, you have to be a specific Microsoft engineer.

What other advice do I have?

My advice to others would be to create a standard for SQL Server to allow a high level of security. What we did is, we adopted CIS, which is the Center for Information Security, hardening standards and benchmarks to keep it secure. SQL Server out of the box comes with a lot of unnecessary services that can make you very vulnerable to any site attack.

I rate SQL Server an eight out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
General Manager IT at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
User-friendly database with excellent backup features
Pros and Cons
  • "The backup capabilities are extremely good."
  • "I would like to have the ability to restore backups in the next release."

What is our primary use case?

This application is used as a contact center and would be great for banks.

What is most valuable?

The backup capabilities are extremely good.

What needs improvement?

I would like to have the ability to restore backups in the next release.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with SQL server for the past ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This solution is very stable from what we have seen.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This is a scalable solution.

How are customer service and support?

Technical support is very good. I am able to easily contact them and they are very informative.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was straightforward.

What other advice do I have?

This is a great solution for anyone with basic knowledge of DNS who wants to build up a database. There are many videos to help you navigate the platform.

I would rate this solution a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Implementer
PeerSpot user
Ashif  Shaikh - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Database Administrator at a tech services company with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
Secure, good GUI, and easy to use
Pros and Cons
  • "Its security is good. The GUI of SQL Server is also very good."
  • "It is very costly, and that's the reason people are moving away from SQL Server."

What is our primary use case?

We are using it for storing important data. 

What is most valuable?

Its security is good. The GUI of SQL Server is also very good.

What needs improvement?

It is very costly, and that's the reason people are moving away from SQL Server. 

They have started using Linux, and Linux is the way forward for SQL Server. They have to invest a lot in that.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for almost 10 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Its stability is good.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Its scalability is good.

How are customer service and support?

I haven't spoken to their support team in the last three years, but prior to that, their support was good.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I also have experience with Postgres. The main difference between SQL Server and Postgres is that Postgres is open source. The Community version of Postgre is basically free. Postgres is very easy to set up and very easy to scale. It is quite a good database.

How was the initial setup?

It is very easy.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It is expensive in terms of licensing costs and pricing. If you want to scale SQL Server, it is very expensive.

We probably have to pay extra for technical support. We also have to pay for the license of Windows on which the SQL Server resides, which is an extra cost.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend SQL Server for its stability, scalability, and ease of use. I would rate it an eight out of 10.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Alaa T Alhorani - PeerSpot reviewer
Sr. Consultant (Enterprise Architect) at Devoteam
Real User
Secure with great out-of-the-box functionality and works well as a database
Pros and Cons
  • "If we want to expand to other servers and create an extra node, it's expandable."
  • "It would be great if we were able to run it on multiple operating systems and not only stick with Windows."

What is our primary use case?

We use the product as a database, a data tool for everything. 

What is most valuable?

SQL Server, as a database, is great.

When it comes to the governmental sector, it is easily dealt with and can handle a big load of data. Specifically, after they added the capability of building a big data cluster from the SQL Server itself it's been great. 

If it was a database developer who was working with it or database admin, it provides a lot of tools and potential utilization that helps in doing the work in the right way.

Stability-wise, it's stable. 

If we want to expand to other servers and create an extra node, it's expandable. If you want to connect it with another, let's say, cloud node, it's also expandable with the cloud node. 

Security-wise, it provides most of the required security aspects in the market suchg as hashing, or encrypting, or hiding some data in tables (according to privileges and tools of the users). That can be done throughout it easily. 

It's an out-of-the-box solution. Lately, after they created the SQL Azure, if you use the Azure SQL Explorer, or SQL Server Management Studio, both of them can connect to the same database easily. It's natively built on the same core.

What needs improvement?

In my experience, while working with multiple sectors, such as banking, services, et cetera, there are some limitations for some sectors when dealing with the data.

It would be great if we were able to run it on multiple operating systems and not only stick with Windows. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for five or maybe six years. It's been a while. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability is great. there are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. Its performance is reliable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It's very easy to scale the solution in multiple ways. If a company needs to expand, it can do so easily.

How was the initial setup?

I can't say it is easy to deploy as it depends on the admin, however, it is doable. Most of the databases, in general, require configuration. Therefore, if the admin knows what he's doing, then it's super easy.

A full deployment, depending on what is needed, might take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. It's fast.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I can't speak to the pricing. I don't have any information on that.

It's my understanding that we pay for licensing on a yearly basis. 

What other advice do I have?

There is also another added product they created, called Synapse, Azure Synapse Analytics. Both of them are similar to Microsoft PowerBI on-prem with SQL Server on-prem.

I would rate the solution at an eight out of ten. There are other competitors that are also doing a very good job as well.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Owner at 2 Bit
Real User
Very fast with reliable, easy-to-access data
Pros and Cons
  • "For me, the initial setup is very easy as I have years of experience with the product."
  • "With so much data, things can get slow, which is why I would like to be able to understand how to better optimize queries."

What is most valuable?

The solution is very fast. 

The data is reliable and I can normalize the database and normalize the data so that I can collect whatever information I need. If I collect the data correctly, then I can share whatever report I want.

Normally, when the data is in the database, it will always be a long-term information holder, instead of putting it in Excel or something like a spreadsheet or something like that. 

For me, the initial setup is very easy as I have years of experience with the product.

What needs improvement?

I could use some more guidelines about making the correct queries to understand the structure better. I'd like to have a better idea and to understand how to make a nice query, which is good for the system and good for the hardware.

Sometimes you have to have different data in different tables and you want to merge them into something together. I'd like to be able to do this in a different way. 

Sometimes I need to have more optimization. I want to understand how can I optimize this or that? Especially now, when we're working with a lot of camera information, where we are using a lot of cameras for photogrammetry, we need to take this data and put it into the SQL Server and we would like to be more flexible with the data.

With so much data, things can get slow, which is why I would like to be able to understand how to better optimize queries. 

Those who are not familiar with the solution can find the initial setup intimidating and difficult. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for 30 years at this point. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I don't have so much experience with scaling. It's my understanding that that task is a specialist job.

How are customer service and technical support?

I have dealt with technical support in the past. I'm happy with them. They have been helpful.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I'm not only working with SQL Server. When I need the database, I will always do it in SQL Server or Maria Database or something like that.

How was the initial setup?

For me, the initial implementation is easy, however, I know a lot of people can't set it up and believe everything is hard. It's difficult if you didn't know how to do it. You have to know, in the beginning, how to define what hardware you need and how many disks, for example. You need to understand if it should be a cluster disk or not. Long ago, it used to be hard disk access only. Things have changed. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution does come at a cost.

What other advice do I have?

I'm a customer and an end-user.

This solution is one of my favorites and I would rate it at a nine out of ten. I'm very pleased with its capabilities. 

Microsoft has a freeware option that might be called something like SQL Server Express. I'd advise new users to try to put that one up. It's easy to implement. If you need more data, then buy the correct server. The SQL Server is expensive, however, when you see how nice data is installed and how easy you can get access to it, it may be worth it. If new users need help, they can always go to YouTube to find answers for the freeware.

SQL Server has a steep learning curve, however, it's worth it to learn about it and understand it. 

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
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