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You can share the results of an integration without having to share the file. The performance could be better.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature is the easy installation. The user just needs to know how to read.

How has it helped my organization?

The SQL Server is helping us with the most feared corporate problem: Excel spreadsheets. The individual user can perform an integration and share the same results with others without the necessity to "share" the file. This reduces the data traffic on my company network.

What needs improvement?

Table partition and memory management. The performance could be better.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have used it for more than 10 years.

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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The SQL Server has a big issue when some systems use Java as a primary software interface. This database loses the ability to manage memory, consequently locking the processes and losing performance in the execution of some robust queries.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Unfortunately, this database doesn't have a good concept of partition table. If you need to create monthly (Jan. to Dec.) partitions in one table, this action creates 12 different files for the same table. In others databases, this process is more transparent and capable to create partitions inside the same database.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support team for the SQL Server is very friendly, if we compare with others commercial database products. Not only with Microsoft, but this database has more technical information published on the internet, books, and self-taught users to help.

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

I am still using other commercial solutions, but the price of this database is much less expensive than others. It is about four times less expensive.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is one of the good things about MS SQL. It is very easy to do and start the development that you need to use after the installation.

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

In my point of view, the MS SQL is the most inexpensive database commercial solution. If do you need to build a consistent ERP for example, with a medium to hard capability, and don't have much budget to spend it, this is your solution.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Of course, I evaluated other options! I never choose the first option and I always try to look around to find competitive vendor options. I already know and have expertise with IBM/DB2 and Oracle solutions. For this new architecture, MS SQL was the best option at the moment for being a pilot project.

What other advice do I have?

I suggest that you are first familiar with the bundle functions and plan some of the functions before starting the project. Find more information about the routines and how easy or hard it might be to start the development when you are thinking about cascade and constraints.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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The SSIS or SQL Server Integration Services is a vital component that is associated to the Server.

SQL Server and SQL Server Integration Services – Informative Article

SQL Server and SQL Server Integration Services: Discussed and Explained

The concept of Relational Database Management System when brought forward by Microsoft was known as SQL Server. Architecture of SQL is a division where all the components combine and work, both; independently and together. This is done in order to process the services offered, in a defined way. This allows SQL Server to work smoothly.

The external SQL Server interface is developed by the Protocol Layer. All the operations conducted on the server are transmitted through a defined format known as the Tabular Data Stream (TDS). Basically, this is an Application Layer Protocol that helps to transfer data between the client and server (database).

Some other points that in a combination help make SQL an essential database management system for users include the following:

Data Storage

It is a collection of a variety of tables with all sorts of types including; primary types – decimal, integer, float, etc., varchar, and more.

Concurrency and locking:

The server permits users to make use of the SQL database concurrently by multiple types of clients. So it is required to take control of the simultaneous database access to the shared data. The two concurrency control modes provided are; pessimistic and optimistic.

SQL uses lock mechanism, in the pessimistic mode of concurrency control and they can be further classified as; shared & Exclusive Locks.

Data retrieval:

Data in SQL Server is retrieved via querying it and this query procedure is executed by the SQL Server variant; T-SQL. The order of steps in the procedure of querying for essentials to recall the data requested for is decided by the Query Processor.

Buffer Management

This part of SQL Server plays a critical role in reducing the Disc I/O while it buffers the pages into RAM. One can store up to 8 KB of pages in the buffered memory and this collection of all buffered pages is known as the Buffer Cache.

SQL Server and Its Versions

The entire database held by SQL Server is available as Primary (*.mdf) and Secondary (*.ndf) Database respectively. While an LDF file’s role is to hold the entire log details of the transactions carried out on any of the database.

Amongst all the versions of SQL Server; 2005, 2008 R2, 2014, and others; 2000 was the first version to be adding multiple performance measures to the Server. And out of all the measures introduced by SQL Server version 2000, SQL Server Integration Services or SSIS was the most vital one.

Detailing Of SQL Server and SQL Server Integration Services Security

The SSIS Security of SQL Server consist of a variety of layers offering a completely sound environ for the services. These layers constitute of the below mentioned components:

  • Package Properties;
  • Digital Signature;
  • Operating System Permissions;
  • Database roles.

When used in a combination for applying security measures, these components act as a defensive shield to the packages of SQL Server.

In order to interpret the concept of SQL Server and SQL Server Integration Services security, understanding the platform of SSIS is of primary importance. The forthcoming segment of this article discusses about the same as well as the attributes offered by it in SQL Server environ.

Understanding the SSIS Concept of Security

The SSIS or SQL Server Integration Services is a vital component that is associated to the Server. Normally used for carrying out a wide number and variety of operations related to data migration this platform has been structured considering the two mentioned elements:

  1. Data Integration which happens to be an approach for combining the data from different set of resources. Thus, representing it in a manner that is unified and coordinated.
  2. Workflow programs a set of applications that modify procedures to some point and even require manual agreement / customization or modification of activities sometimes.

The following functions are allowed to be performed at a higher level:

  1. Data retrieval through any source and loading of components into any source with a defining workflow.
  2. Carrying out a wide number procedures on the database including; calculation, conversion, etc.

This was an overview of the SSIS platform therefore, proceeding to the concept of SSIS security measures is feasible now.

The Concept of SSIS Security

Always using trusted mediums for launching the packages is one of the most important concepts of the SSIS Security measure. And prior to that, you must necessarily identity the source of package before opening it, which can be done by allotting certificates to packages.

The Perks of It: Unauthorized access to the server’s sensitive data can be kept under control via allotting identity features to a package. Also, it guarantees control on the SQL Server package configuration.

Even the logs, checkpoint files, and the configurations can be protected as well.

The Package Information displayed via SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio) Integration Services is offered integrity and protection by the medium of this platform.

A better understanding about the functional measures and features of the SSIS Security can be referred in the upcoming sections below.

  1. Access On Package Data Components To Be Controlled: To limit or restrict access to package or its components, they are encrypted via “ProtectionLevel” property applied. Level of this type of security can be adjusted accordingly. Values get automatically encrypted for properties that are assigned to sensitive set of data by the IS (Integration Services). Only on providing the correct password, can an encrypted data be displayed.
  2. Package Access To Be Controlled: SQL’s MSDB database or an XML file can be used for storing the IS Packages with file extension as .dtsx. In an MSDB database the “sysdtspackages” & “sysssispackages” for storing the package, tables are taken into usage. Thus, when database backup is created, associated packages automatically get backed up. In order to control access to these packages, three types of database roles are allotted to them:
    1. Db_ssisadmin
    2. Db_ssisltduser
    3. Db_ssisoperator

TIP: In case the file system is used for package storing, make sure that file or folders containing the packages are secure completely.

  1. Access to Packages Containing Files To Be Control: Information encapsulated within the log, checkpoint files, and configuration packages require being prevented and protected due to the sensitive nature they have. Some of the factors associated with the approach are:
    1. Checkpoint file storage must only be done into the file system.
    2. Storage of Logs and Config files can be done using; SQL DB Tables or the File System.
    3. Extra provision of security is needed by the checkpoint files stored under file system.
  2. IS Service Access To Be Controlled: “Windows Administrative” group members are assigned with package running access & stop roles. Meanwhile, users that are not member of the group are authorized to access or eliminate packages started only by them.

Conclusion: Security is a matter of concern regardless of the platform being discussed about. And understanding the detailed aspects of the SSIS Security measure helps prevent the SQL Server packages from unofficial access.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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PeerSpot user
Founder & Principal Architect at a tech services company with 1,001-5,000 employees
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Best DBMS platform for all of your business needs

Valuable Features:

- Ease of use of this product is much better than equivalent products - New AlwaysOn availability group enhancements bundles more DR and HA features in one easy to use interface - In-Memory OLTP, or project Hekaton, allows for utilizing memory to boost application performance with only minor application changes - Power, scalability, flexibility, and bundled tooling means it will meet all of your organizational DBMS needs for all size workloads - Support from MS and free knowledge and support from the MS community is terrific - Virtualization friendly! - Core features of the product include many features that require additional licenses with other platforms - SImple to setup and keep running

Room for Improvement:

- Ease of installation means that anyone can install it, but many do not perform the steps required to properly maintain the data - The increasing cost of the platform is slowing adoption by the SMB space

Other Advice:

I am so fond of this product that I have dedicated this portion of my career to focusing on mastering this platform as a consultant. I feel that this product is the best fit on the market for your database needs. The product is stellar, the amount of free knowledge on the Internet for this product is without parallel, and the community around SQL Server is so strong that I consider it a family.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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it_user4524 - PeerSpot reviewer
it_user4524Founder & Principal Architect at a tech services company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Consultant
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Thanks! And the answer is nope - Report Builder 2012 is out there and
works great! It's available at
www.microsoft.com

Plus, Report Builder 2014 is out. Here's a great page on what's new in it.

msdn.microsoft.com

Hope this helps!

David A. Klee

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reviewer1593270 - PeerSpot reviewer
CEO at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Real User
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Highly functional in Microsoft environments, reliable, and scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "I have found that SQL Server works very well in the Microsoft Dynamics environment."
  • "There is room for improvement in performance when managing a large quality of data and a high number of active users."

What is our primary use case?

The solution is used for database management.

What is most valuable?

I have found that SQL Server works very well in the Microsoft Dynamics environment.

What needs improvement?

There is room for improvement in performance when managing a large quality of data and a high number of active users. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for approximately 17 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I have found the stability great.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability is very good. We have five people in my organization using this solution in my organization.

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

I have used previously Oracle MySQL, IBM DB2, and SAP HANA. They are better suited for large-size data management.

What about the implementation team?

We have approximately 15 people handling the deployment and maintenance of the solution.

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

The solution is on a pay-per-use pricing model.

What other advice do I have?

I would strongly recommend this solution to others wanting to implement it in a Microsoft environment.

I 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.
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reviewer1430925 - PeerSpot reviewer
Technical Director at a security firm with 51-200 employees
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Stable and easy to install
Pros and Cons
  • "It is stable, and it works okay."
  • "It would be nice if they can reduce its price."

What is our primary use case?

It is used for many things. We primarily use it for our two-tier and three-tier applications.

What is most valuable?

It is stable, and it works okay.

What needs improvement?

It would be nice if they can reduce its price.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is stable.

How are customer service and technical support?

I didn't use their technical support.

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

I have used Microsoft Access.

How was the initial setup?

Its installation is straightforward. It took half an hour to one hour.

What about the implementation team?

I can install it myself.

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

We did a one-time payment. Its price, in general, can be reduced.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution to others. 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.
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reviewer1491816 - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Architect at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
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A user-friendly relational database management system
Pros and Cons
  • "It's more user-friendly than most databases."
  • "The performance could be better."

What is our primary use case?

Our server projects are mostly related to SQL Server, and we're using it. All our healthcare projects are using the SQL Server, and we're able to load millions of data without any issues.

What is most valuable?

It's more user-friendly than most databases. If we don't have to use the command mode, it's very easy.

What needs improvement?

The performance could be better. When we pump in millions of records, we start struggling, and that's why we want improvement in those areas.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using SQL Server for more than ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

In the past, it wasn't stable compared to other products like Oracle Db2, but it has improved, and now it's stable. 

How was the initial setup?

The installation is easy, and performance-wise it's okay now.

What about the implementation team?

SQL Server installation is easy, and we did it by ourselves.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this product to new users.

On a scale from one to ten, I would give Microsoft SQL Server an eight.

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.
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reviewer1484775 - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Programmer at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Real User
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Easy to set up with good scalability and extensive online documentation
Pros and Cons
  • "The product has very good online documentation that can be used for troubleshooting."
  • "The licensing costs are very high."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution as a database for business operations.

What is most valuable?

I personally work with Microsoft products and therefore I like the continuity it provides. I like sticking with the brand.

The solution is very stable.

The product has very good online documentation that can be used for troubleshooting.

The solution can scale as necessary.

We've found the setup to be quick and relatively easy.

What needs improvement?

The licensing costs are very high.

I would like the scaling process to be more transparent and obvious.

There's a lot of documentation on the web, and it is quite extensive, and yet it isn't very well organized which makes it hard to find items often.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for a very long time. It's been around ten years or more. I'd say it's been at least a decade at this point.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability of the solution is quite good. We don't have issues with it. It doesn't crash or freeze. We don't experience bugs or glitches. It's reliable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

While I personally haven't gone beyond 50 or so users, it's my understanding that as long as you pay for the licensing, you can grow as much as you need to. There would be costs involved, however, the solution can scale if a company needs it to. 

I'd love to have Microsoft explain to me the scaling process so that I could better understand it. Right now, I'm in the dark.

How are customer service and technical support?

In terms of technical support, I can say that sometimes I need them. However, it's very difficult to contact Microsoft support for anything. 

In general, they have none. I wouldn't know how to reach them directly for help if I needed it.

Right now they have good support for their Azure product, in the cloud. However, this is not the case for on-premise products. That means, as an on-premise user, I have a problem. That said, since their product is well-known, there's a lot of documents on the web. If I try to search online I will typically find the answers I need. 

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is not complex. It's pretty straightforward. It takes an hour or less to set everything up. Some people may need a few hours, however, for me, less than an hour was enough. That said, the Windows Server would also take an hour or two to set up as well.

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

The solution certainly comes at a cost, however, for me, it's an acceptable cost. I find it acceptable due to the fact that it would be free if I use MySQL on-premise, however, then it would be hard to hire people to maintain it. It's a give and take. That said, the license cost is very very high. I'm afraid if I use it on a larger scale it will cost a lot.

What other advice do I have?

Currently, we're just Microsoft customers, although we would like to have a partnership with the company in the future.

I haven't done the HA for SQL server yet, therefore, I'm not sure how hard it is and how difficult it would be to implement, or how stable and how scalable it is.

There are two markets really. It's Microsoft and non-Microsoft. If anyone is familiar with Microsoft products, then they should go with this, however, they should bear in mind that it comes at a cost. The SQL cost is quite high if a company is using it at a large scale.

That said, if a company is looking at something small scale, there is a free edition. I use the standard edition, and it won't cost too much. 

In any case, for those that aren't tied to Microsoft options, there are a lot of products out there that might be suitable with very little overhead.

In general, I would rate the solution at 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.
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Web Content Editor at a consumer goods company with 501-1,000 employees
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The most valuable feature for us is SQL Server Migration Assistant for Access.

What is most valuable?

SQL Server Migration Assistant for Access (AccessToSQL).

How has it helped my organization?

We migrated loads of access database into large scale SQL server.

What needs improvement?

Access validation rules and expressions need improvement while converting into SQL Server.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using it for 10 years, and was using previously older versions and now I'm on the latest one.

What was my experience with deployment of the solution?

We just needed to upgrade Windows.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It was average.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It was average.

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

I previously used Oracle 11G, I switched because of less hardware resources were needed to run heavy software.

How was the initial setup?

It's straightforward to do providing you've read the manual.

What about the implementation team?

We did it in-house.

What was our ROI?

It's beneficial in terms of what the business gains from it.

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

It's average to purchase.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We also looked at Oracle 11G.

What other advice do I have?

First look into scalability issues before adopting the right product.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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March 2025
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