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Craig Kona - PeerSpot reviewer
Chief Information Officer at SYNOVA CONSULTANCT
Real User
Top 5
High performance, setup straightforward, but priced high
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature of SQL Server is the performance."

    What is our primary use case?

    We use SQL Server for developing systems.

    What is most valuable?

    The most valuable feature of SQL Server is the performance.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using SQL Server for years.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    We have approximately three people who are using this solution.

    Buyer's Guide
    SQL Server
    January 2025
    Learn what your peers think about SQL Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
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    How are customer service and support?

    The technical support from Microsoft has been good.

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup of SQL Server is straightforward.

    What about the implementation team?

    We have two administrators that did the implementation of the solution.

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

    The price of SQL Server could be reduced, the license is expensive. We have an annual subscription.

    What other advice do I have?

    I would recommend SQL Server to others.

    I rate SQL Server a seven out of ten.

    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
    Senior Systems Engineer at Dimension Data
    MSP
    Top 5
    Good usability, satisfactory performance, and easy setup
    Pros and Cons
    • "Its usability is very good. Its performance is satisfactory."
    • "Their support could be better. There should be more visibility on the progress of the ticket, and their last line of support should be more knowledgeable. Other than that, we have nothing to complain about."

    What is our primary use case?

    It is for supporting our custom applications. We have a number of custom applications that we use that have SQL embedded.

    I am using the version before the latest one.

    What is most valuable?

    Its usability is very good. Its performance is satisfactory.

    What needs improvement?

    Their support could be better. There should be more visibility on the progress of the ticket, and their last line of support should be more knowledgeable. Other than that, we have nothing to complain about.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using this solution for seven to eight years.

    How are customer service and support?

    Their support could be better. Sometimes, you don't have much visibility of how your service request is progressing. There should be more visibility, and the last line of support should be more knowledgeable.

    How was the initial setup?

    It was straightforward. It took two to three hours.

    What about the implementation team?

    We have internal staff for its implementation. We have a team of about three or four people who are well-versed with SQL Server, and we have 30 to 40 users who use this solution.

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

    You need to pay for the license. It most probably has per-core licensing.

    What other advice do I have?

    I would recommend this solution to others. We are satisfied with the product in general. Overall, I'd rate it 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
    Buyer's Guide
    SQL Server
    January 2025
    Learn what your peers think about SQL Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
    832,138 professionals have used our research since 2012.
    Al Fath Nuur Rochman - PeerSpot reviewer
    Co-Founder at a logistics company with 1-10 employees
    Real User
    User-friendly and reasonably priced system for storing and managing information
    Pros and Cons
    • "Easy to implement and user-friendly relational database management system. This product is stable and scalable."
    • "The UX design of this system needs improvement."

    What is our primary use case?

    We're using SQL Server for database work.

    What is most valuable?

    What I find most valuable in SQL Server is that it's user-friendly.

    What needs improvement?

    The product needs improvement in its UX design. A newer interface is what I'd like to see in the next release of SQL Server.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've been working with SQL Server for two years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    SQL Server is a stable system.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    SQL Server is a scalable system.

    How are customer service and support?

    I'm satisfied with the technical support provided by Microsoft for this product.

    How was the initial setup?

    SQL Server is easy to implement, especially because it's a very common system that we use in the workplace.

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

    Pricing for this product is very reasonable.

    Which other solutions did I evaluate?

    I evaluated Oracle Database.

    What other advice do I have?

    SQL Server is a common product that I use on a daily basis, and I'm using its latest version. Most of my colleagues use it for database work.

    200 people use this system in the company.

    My advice for people looking into using SQL Server is that it's the best choice, especially for those who are beginners with databases.

    My rating for SQL Server is nine out of ten.

    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
    reviewer1524594 - PeerSpot reviewer
    Senior Solutions Architect at a manufacturing company with 51-200 employees
    Real User
    User friendly, performs well, and backward compatibility
    Pros and Cons
    • "The most valuable feature of the solution, compared to other RDBMS solutions, such as Oracle MySQL or IBM DB2, it is more user-friendly and has backward compatibility. For example, if you have an application that requires an old version of SQL Server and you have the latest version of the license, you are able to install and use it in backward compatibility mode. They keep supporting the existing legacy application."

      What is our primary use case?

      The solution is an RDBMS and can be used to simplify customers' requirements for a back-end database. The main function of the solution is to store information from front-end users.

      What is most valuable?

      The most valuable feature of the solution, compared to other RDBMS solutions, such as Oracle MySQL or IBM DB2, it is more user-friendly and has backward compatibility. For example, if you have an application that requires an old version of SQL Server and you have the latest version of the license, you are able to install and use it in backward compatibility mode. They keep supporting the existing legacy application. Additionally, the solution is simple and if it is configured properly it performs very well. 

      For how long have I used the solution?

      I have used the solution for approximately six years.

      What do I think about the stability of the solution?

      I find the solution to be very stable. 

      What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

      The solution is scalable. 

      How are customer service and technical support?

      The technical support is only provided to the customers having a subscription-based license with a Software Assurance server. For other forms of licensing the solution will not provide support. 

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

      I have previously used other RDBMS solutions, such as Oracle MySQL, Maria DB, PostgreSQL, and IBM DB2.

      When comparing PostgreSQL, Oracle MySQL, and Microsoft SQL, Microsoft SQL has an advantage over the other two server databases because it provides a graphical user interface by default.

      How was the initial setup?

      The initial setup of the solution is very easy and the time it takes depends on the architecture required. If the deployment of a cluster is required then the setup may take up to three hours, whereas standard environment deployment needs half an hour. 

      What about the implementation team?

      The solution can be installed by our selves but the use of an integrator makes it much easier. 

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

      The solution requires authorization in either the form of perpetual licensing or subscription-based licenses for two years. If a perpetual license version is purchased then customers have it to the end of life, whereas a subscription-based called server with Software Assurance, has to be renewed every two years. 

      The areas that need improvement are with regards to the commercial aspect of the solution, the licensing cost could be reduced in order to help customers to adopt it.

      What other advice do I have?

      I would recommend this solution. However, the customer has to make sure it fits their use case.

      I rate SQL Server a nine out of ten. 

      Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

      Hybrid Cloud
      Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
      PeerSpot user
      reviewer1428423 - PeerSpot reviewer
      Head of Technical Support at a real estate/law firm with 51-200 employees
      Real User
      Integrates well, high performance, and provides many features
      Pros and Cons
      • "SQL Server provides good performance. Most of the SQL solutions can be integrated and this solution is no different, you are able to link other databases. For example, we have Oracle running a Postgres Server and it is linked. It follows the ISO standard when it comes to commands, it works well."
      • "They could improve by adding the SQL format."

      What is our primary use case?

      This solution is part of the ERP that we have for application. We use it for many purposes, such as POS in-store cash registers for enterprise companies.

      What is most valuable?

      SQL Server provides good performance. Most of the SQL solutions can be integrated and this solution is no different, you are able to link other databases. For example, we have Oracle running a Postgres Server and it is linked. It follows the ISO standard when it comes to commands, it works well.

      What needs improvement?

      They could improve by adding the SQL format.

      For how long have I used the solution?

      I have been using SQL Server for approximately eight years.

      What do I think about the stability of the solution?

      The solution is stable, I have not had any issue using it.

      What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

      The scalability is very good.

      We have approximately 500 users using the POS.

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

      I have previously used IBM Informix, PostgresSQL, and Oracle Databases.

      How was the initial setup?

      The installation is straightforward and takes approximately 30 minutes. If you were to add more features the installation could take longer. For example, there are many features such as table partitioning allowing you to do queries faster, transferring data from one table to another, and performing quicker backups.

      What about the implementation team?

      We did the implementation ourselves. We have a team that does the maintenance for Windows Servers, Linux desktops, and Linux Servers.

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

      There is a license required for servers and for the POS we use the free version. The free version allows you to have tables and a total database size of approximately 10 GB, which is enough for our requirements.

      What other advice do I have?

      This is an excellent solution when it comes to databases. I would recommend it to others.

      I rate SQL Server a ten 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
      Managing Partner at Bizz Advisers SRL
      Real User
      Stores and retrieves data requested by other applications
      Pros and Cons
      • "I haven't really experienced any issues that required the assistance of technical support."
      • "The ability to connect with other environments needs to be improved."

      What is our primary use case?

      We use this solution to manage our database and store information. I use another platform for more specific needs.

      Within our organization, there are roughly 10-12 employees using this solution. 

      What needs improvement?

      SQL Server consumes a lot of resources. You need to keep an eye on the number of resources involved. It expands and uses all of the memory available on the server. For this reason, I install it on separate machines.

      Also, the ability to connect with other environments needs to be improved. 

      For how long have I used the solution?

      I have been using SQL Server for nearly 10 years.

      What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

      Scalability-wise, it's okay.

      How are customer service and technical support?

      I haven't really experienced any issues that required the assistance of technical support. 

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

      I also use MySQL — the open-source version. I started using SQL Server because we required some special functionality for a specific project. 

      How was the initial setup?

      The initial setup was not complicated. You can do it without any external support. 

      What about the implementation team?

      I installed the entire solution myself within 20-50 minutes.

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

      The price could always be lower. 

      Which other solutions did I evaluate?

      I evaluated Oracle, but I didn't like it — I prefer Microsoft. 

      What other advice do I have?

      I would absolutely recommend this solution to others. Overall, on a scale from one to ten, I would give this solution a rating of eight. 

      Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
      PeerSpot user
      AhmedElbadry - PeerSpot reviewer
      NMS Service Automation & RPA Technical Lead at Vodafone
      Real User
      Top 10
      Scalable with a straightforward setup and good stability
      Pros and Cons
      • "From a security perspective, we have no complaints."
      • "It would be ideal if the solution offered better integration capabilities."

      What is our primary use case?

      The solution is a part of a product. We use it for our database, among other items.

      What is most valuable?

      The solution is very stable.

      The product scales well.

      From a security perspective, we have no complaints. 

      The initial setup is very straightforward. 

      What needs improvement?

      The solution should work to improve its search functionality.

      It would be ideal if the solution offered better integration capabilities. In the future, we expect that our company will need to make more integrations with other systems.

      For how long have I used the solution?

      I've been using the solution for three years. It hasn't been that long.

      What do I think about the stability of the solution?

      So far, the stability has been very good. We haven't experienced any crashed or anything of that nature. There are no bugs or glitches. It's reliable and the performance is good.

      What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

      The solution is very scalable. The only thing that would limit its ability to expand is how your environment is designed. That said, a company should have no trouble scaling it if they would like to.

      There are only five of us using the solution right now.

      We do plan to increase usage in the future.

      How are customer service and technical support?

      While I haven't had a chance to open a ticket with technical support, I plan to open one next week, as I have an issue I need to ask them about. However, since I have yet to be in contact, I cannot evaluate their level of service.

      How was the initial setup?

      The initial setup is not complex or difficult. It's easy. It's very straightforward and the setup guide is available if you Google it. Anyone can search for the installation guide on whichever version you're installing.

      The deployment is quick. It only takes about 30 minutes or so.

      We have a technical team of five engineers. If any maintenance is needed, we can handle it. 

      What about the implementation team?

      I installed the product myself. I found an installation guide and just followed the directions. I didn't need the help of a consultant or integrator.

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

      We do not currently pay a licensing fee in order to use this product.

      What other advice do I have?

      I'm currently using the 2017 version. I am not using the latest version of the solution.

      In general, I would rate it at an eight out of ten. For the most part, we have been satisfied with its capabilities.

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

      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
      Infrastructure and Networks at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
      Real User
      Reasonably priced, stable, scalable, and the support is good
      Pros and Cons
      • "We like business integration, database, and analysis."
      • "I would like to see more integration with other platforms."

      What is our primary use case?

      We use this solution for data warehousing and products to the platforms developed by the company. 

      What is most valuable?

      We like everything. We use all of the features that SQL offers. 

      We like business integration, database, and analysis.

      What needs improvement?

      I would like to see more integration with other platforms.

      For how long have I used the solution?

      I have used this solution for more than ten years

      We are using the latest version.

      What do I think about the stability of the solution?

      It's a stable product.

      What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

      It's a scalable solution and we have 1,000 users in our organization.

      We are stabilizing, so we are not going to increase our usage with SQL.

      How are customer service and technical support?

      Technical support is okay. We don't have any issues with them.

      How was the initial setup?

      The initial setup was straightforward.

      It took a couple of hours to install, no more than that.

      What about the implementation team?

      We completed the implementation ourselves.

      We have a team of 34 admins and engineers to deploy and maintain this solution.

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

      We purchased our license and the pricing is fine for us. 

      What other advice do I have?

      I would recommend this solution to others.

      I would rate SQL Server a nine 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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      Download our free SQL Server Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
      Updated: January 2025
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