Try our new research platform with insights from 80,000+ expert users
Sumeet  Zalpuri - PeerSpot reviewer
Data engineer at ASR Nederland N.V.
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
The restoration of data is very easy compared to any other database
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is very intuitive and easy to use."
  • "The performance degrades when the data is huge."

What is our primary use case?

We extracted data from SAP and stored it in SQL Server. We created a connection between the Data Services Server and the SQL Server. If anything went wrong, there were SQL Server experts who took care of everything. So, we extracted data from our ERP system and stored it in SQL Server.

What is most valuable?

Whenever we had to restore the data, it was not as difficult as restoring the database to any other RDBMS. The restoration of data is very easy compared to any other database. The solution is very intuitive and easy to use. It is one of the best relational database systems in the market. The restore and backup strategy was not complicated. The ease of use was excellent compared to any other databases.

What needs improvement?

The performance degrades when the data is huge. It also degrades when there is a flux of data.

For how long have I used the solution?

I used the solution for four to five years.

Buyer's Guide
SQL Server
December 2024
Learn what your peers think about SQL Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: December 2024.
831,265 professionals have used our research since 2012.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The tool is stable. I rate the stability a seven out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The tool is pretty scalable. We had 100 users in our organization. We can scale the tool vertically and horizontally.

What other advice do I have?

SQL Server is the best database when the data is not huge or when we know that the data is coming in at a specific rate. I rate the integration of the product with SAP BusinessObjects Data Services nine out of ten. It is easy. We did not come across any issues or delays. Every organization uses Microsoft. SQL Server is one of the oldest RDBMSs on the market. It is easy to use and intuitive. A lot of people know about it. The ease of use is greater than any other server in the market. Overall, I rate the solution an eight and a half 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
Database Architect at Huron Consulting
Real User
It is one of the most stable relational databases out there
Pros and Cons
  • "It is one of the most stable relational databases out there."
  • "I would like to see native plugins built for other platforms versus having to buy third-party plugins to tap into S3 buckets and AWS Cloud. Right now, it does not have those built-in plugins."

What is our primary use case?

Our correlation and relational databases are on Microsoft SQL Server.

The company uses two platforms: MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server. Some applications are on MySQL, and some applications are SQL Server. 

I have pretty much worked all my life in Microsoft SQL Server.

How has it helped my organization?

I am in the process of creating a data strategy to consolidate multiple siloed data centers. Once my plan is finalized and approved, then we are going to execute it on the Microsoft platform.

What is most valuable?

  • Performance-wise, it is an excellent tool.
  • It is a Microsoft product, so there's a lot of support. 
  • It's not a new tool; it has been around for a while. 
  • It is one of the top five relational databases in the market. 
  • It is very user-friendly.
  • There are a lot of resources available for it.

What needs improvement?

I would like to see native plugins built for other platforms versus having to buy third-party plugins to tap into S3 buckets and AWS Cloud. Right now, it does not have those built-in plugins.

I know that they are building SQL Server for the Unix environment, which is in the beta version, and not out yet. This has been a long time wish for a lot of people. Once that is out, we'll be able to tell how diversified they have become in regards to other platforms.

It hasn't 100 percent on scalability and third-party plugins.

For how long have I used the solution?

More than five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is one of the most stable relational databases out there.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

With the new versions and Azure, which is in the cloud, these do accommodate scalability. Until the 2014 version, the scalability wasn't there, but from the 2016 version and above, I think they have taken all these scalability features into consideration.

How are customer service and technical support?

I have not used technical support for Microsoft with my current company. I have used them in the past. It depends on the tier of support that was purchased by the company as to the level of support that you receive.

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

Our company has probably been using this solution since it was released.

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

It is expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Since we are a cloud-based company, there is AWS pricing on top of the SQL Server pricing. The Enterprise Edition can typically sell from around $1000 dollars a month, which is not cheap. Then, there is an additional one-time Windows cost, based on the code, which can go anywhere from $30,000 to $40,000 for the license.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

From my perspective, the two vendors for this are Microsoft and Amazon (AWS).

They are working on making it better with every release, compared to Oracle Db2 and IBM.

What other advice do I have?

I would definitely recommend SQL Server. It's not cheaper any more, like it used to be, but if you can afford it, then it's the best.

When I select a vendor, from a tool perspective, I make sure that they have full support available, have been in the market for awhile, and the solution/application is stable.

From an open source perspective, like MySQL, Aurora, and MongoDB, they have done a great job in making a robust database container.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
SQL Server
December 2024
Learn what your peers think about SQL Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: December 2024.
831,265 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Chaithanya Chereddy - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Software Engineer at a consultancy with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Allows the execution of stored procedures and commands
Pros and Cons
  • "Unlike MySQL, SQL Server is advantageous because it allows the execution of stored procedures and commands. It's easy to understand, run, and manage. Also, Microsoft frequently updates SQL Server, quickly resolving issues in new versions."

    What is our primary use case?

    We use SQL Server to store applications. The SQL Server manages various functions, such as digital innovation projects, document storage, handling login credentials, and maintaining authentication and authorization through the database.

    What is most valuable?

    Unlike MySQL, SQL Server is advantageous because it allows the execution of stored procedures and commands. It's easy to understand, run, and manage. Also, Microsoft frequently updates SQL Server, quickly resolving issues in new versions.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been working with the product for three years. 

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    My team has five users. 

    How was the initial setup?

    The tool's deployment is easy. 

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

    SQL Server offers three versions. You can get a free trial for 30 days. 

    What other advice do I have?

    The solution is easy to understand if you know basic queries. I rate it a nine out of ten. 

    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    Flag as inappropriate
    PeerSpot user
    reviewer1264416 - PeerSpot reviewer
    Domain architect at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
    Real User
    Rich feature sets, business oriented, and reliable
    Pros and Cons
    • "The solution is easy to use, has rich feature sets, and is business-oriented."
    • "They could improve the solution by allowing more portability between on-premise and the cloud."

    What is our primary use case?

    There are many applications between Microsoft and SQL. Most are in the legacy direction, but some are more modern databases with those application requirements. We have used it for multi-purposes such as back-office products applications and cloud office environments.

    What is most valuable?

    The solution is easy to use, has rich feature sets, and is business-oriented. 

    What needs improvement?

    They could improve the solution by allowing more portability between on-premise and the cloud.

    More improvements can be brought around hyper-threading. Like we see in work engines of hyper-threading. It is very complex in terms of the way they do it. If it was via CPU or something else, it would be much easier.

    In a future release, they could improve by expanding their form base capabilities.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using the solution for a couple of years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    I have found 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 support is good for the solution.

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

    We used Oracle and DB2 in the past.

    How was the initial setup?

    Initially, the installation took a while. We have started deploying configurations that are now standardized. We have automated it, but it can still be problematic. For the most part, the installation is now quite easy. Additionally, The way they have many configurable parameters that influence performance is in a way problematic.

    What about the implementation team?

    We did the deployment of the solution and we have a team of 15 people doing the deployment and maintenance.

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

    The licenses are really expensive. Their licensing model should be more simplistic.

    What other advice do I have?

    I would recommend this solution to others and we plan to keep using it in the future.

    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
    Abdulkadir Ozdemir - PeerSpot reviewer
    Cyber ​​Security Engineer at Oyak Cimento
    Real User
    Top 5
    Offers good integration capabilities but needs to have a better audit control mechanism
    Pros and Cons
    • "The solution's most valuable part revolves around data management, which can be seen in its audit features and performance."
    • "Even if you have some technical agreement with Microsoft, the technical support of the solution won't help you. The support needs to be improved."

    What is our primary use case?

    I use the solution in my company for .NET programs and as a database.

    What is most valuable?

    The solution's most valuable part revolves around data management, which can be seen in its audit features and performance.

    What needs improvement?

    The tool needs to develop a better audit control mechanism.

    Even if you have some technical agreement with Microsoft, the technical support of the solution won't help you. The support needs to be improved.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using SQL Server for eight years. I am an end-user of the solution.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    It is a stable solution. Stability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The scalability features of the product are simple for me to use.

    Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

    Around five percent of the people in my company use the tool.

    How are customer service and support?

    I rate the technical support a five to six out of ten.

    How would you rate customer service and support?

    Neutral

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

    I have worked with Microsoft Entra ID Protection for ten years. I also use Microsoft Defender.

    Over the other solutions of the market, I started to use SQL Server since it is available for free and is more secure, while offering good performance. SQL Server offers good performance even over Elasticsearch, or maybe the others open-source database products.

    How was the initial setup?

    The product's initial setup phase is very easy. On a scale of one to ten, if one is difficult and ten is easy, I rate the setup phase a ten.

    The solution is deployed on an on-premises model.

    The solution can be deployed in a few hours.

    What about the implementation team?

    My company's in-house team carried out the product's deployment process.

    What was our ROI?

    The tool is not something that helps with the cost saving part, but I can say that is a practical tool to use.

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

    On a scale of one to ten, when one is cheap and ten is an expensive solution, I rate the product price as seven. The product is expensive.

    What other advice do I have?

    The tool's integration capabilities are very good. We don't have any problems.

    I don't have any idea about how the product can be used for AI-driven projects because we don't use AI.

    I don't recommend the tool to others. I recommended free products because they are tools that offer high performance.

    I rate the tool a seven 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.
    Flag as inappropriate
    PeerSpot user
    Information Technology Division Director at Ethiopian Roads Administration
    Real User
    Top 5Leaderboard
    Stores data from applications and helps to query data
    Pros and Cons
    • "We use SQL Server for various data management scenarios. It allows us to query data, some of which spans over twenty years. We generate reports and perform analyses using this tool. It also comes with backup and recovery tools, which are essential features of the database engine."
    • "Regarding integration, the solution works well for different courses without any issues. However, if we want to add machine learning and AI capabilities for business analytics, that's an area where improvements could be made."

    What is our primary use case?

    Our main use cases involve using the tool for the database engine. We have a small team in our environment that develops and uses this database for data storage. The data collected by our application is stored in this database.

    What is most valuable?

    We use SQL Server for various data management scenarios. It allows us to query data, some of which spans over twenty years. We generate reports and perform analyses using this tool. It also comes with backup and recovery tools, which are essential features of the database engine.

    What needs improvement?

    Regarding integration, the solution works well for different courses without any issues. However, if we want to add machine learning and AI capabilities for business analytics, that's an area where improvements could be made.

    As for security features, I believe additional security enforcement is needed. You have to implement extra measures on top of what's already there. We understand that the built-in security isn't as robust as expected, so additional solutions are necessary to enhance security.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using the product for 16 years. 

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    Regarding performance and scalability, we've been using this tool with over 20 years of data. Despite the large amount of data, it's still efficient and effective. We can query the data and perform various tasks without problems, as it serves as our main repository. For our specific use case, it's very effective in decision-making. Depending on their requirements, other organizations might choose different solutions like SQL, Oracle, Postgres, or MongoDB. They can use whatever solution fits their use case best, but this one works very well for us. The solution is stable. 

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The solution is globally well-known. It's scalable and has good integrability. You can interface with it using different APIs; some solutions can connect directly with the engine. So, from that perspective, we don't face any issues.

    How are customer service and support?

    The tool has vendor and partner support. However, we support ourselves. 

    How was the initial setup?

    SQL Server's deployment is easy. 

    What about the implementation team?

    We did the deployment in-house. 

    What was our ROI?

    The tool is very profitable for us. We initially acquired this solution for development purposes. We have small teams that develop applications using SQL Server as the back-end database engine.

    What other advice do I have?

    I rate the overall product a ten out of ten since it meets our requirements. Advice for others considering this solution depends on their specific requirements. They must consider whether they need Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, SAP Database engine, or something else. Their particular needs will determine the best choice. In general, though, I would recommend Microsoft SQL Server. Anyone can acquire and use it based on their requirements. However, as I mentioned earlier, some security and performance improvements may be needed.

    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    Flag as inappropriate
    PeerSpot user
    Praneeth N - PeerSpot reviewer
    Director of Product Management at SID GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LLC
    Real User
    Top 5
    Helps to store and retrieve application data
    Pros and Cons
    • "I find query optimization to be highly valuable for data management. Additionally, drag-and-drop query creation greatly facilitates data management tasks."
    • "The solution's stability can be improved."

    What is our primary use case?

    We use the tool to store and retrieve application data. It allows for storage via multiple threads and separates threads.

    What is most valuable?

    I find query optimization to be highly valuable for data management. Additionally, drag-and-drop query creation greatly facilitates data management tasks.

    What needs improvement?

    The solution's stability can be improved. 

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    I can't provide a definitive comment on stability, but I'd lean towards the positive side and rate it around a seven out of ten. I've encountered more efficient and faster databases that deserve a higher rating. Therefore, I'm hesitant to rate SQL Server a nine out of ten for stability.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The number of users depends on the primary master database, which handles the core data. The solution typically serves around two million users interacting with the primary master database. In terms of deployment and maintenance, not much is needed. I'm quite familiar with databases, so that I can handle it myself. Even without guides, setting up and maintaining the system is manageable.

    How was the initial setup?

    The deployment process was fairly simple, especially with SQL Server and other modern products. The interfaces are easy to understand, and the configuration is straightforward. Typically, you need to configure a node endpoint for the JDBC driver if you're connecting from a client.

    What other advice do I have?

    Currently, we don't heavily rely on SQL Server for our projects. Most applications are developed for evaluation or quick setup and checking methods. For production-grade deployments, we primarily use PostgreSQL.

    The database architecture plays a crucial role in data-heavy applications. I've worked with databases, particularly in telecom, requiring extremely real-time operations like quick authentication and seamless data transfer for calls. These use cases demand quick responsiveness and scalability, especially during high-traffic events like sports matches. Scaling up certain database nodes becomes essential to handle the increased volume of data.

    I rate the overall solution a seven out of ten.I haven't personally used the .NET framework, but it seems to be more elaborate compared to Java or Python.

    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
    IT Manager : HOD at Condot Systems
    Real User
    Handles huge amounts of data efficiently but needs optimized backup protection
    Pros and Cons
    • "The replication feature, user interface, reporting services, and notification services are really good. They are providing SQL profiler and SQLCMD as their integrated software, so we don't find it difficult to integrate any of our third-party applications with MS SQL because all of them support MS SQL very clearly."
    • "Performance could be improved. There could be more support to PHP-based websites and to providing direct plugins for connections, and the related services or application services could be improved."

    What is our primary use case?

    We use Microsoft SQL Server as our main database. We implement our solutions to the client site, providing the machines and the SQL Server license depending on their requirements.

    The SQL Server is being deployed on-prem. Most of our clients are from the pharmaceutical industry. If there is a physical database, they want a self-hosted server always on-premises. However, the market is slowly adapting to cloud servers. Scalability and security have increased, so now people are going with cloud servers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Most of our clients are hosted on-premises and they have their own server, so we don't go with any cloud server. However, we are planning to move ahead with cloud servers for many of our clients.

    What is most valuable?

    The replication feature, user interface, reporting services, and notification services are really good. They are providing SQL Profiler and sqlcmd as their integrated software, so we don't find it difficult to integrate any of our third-party applications with MS SQL because all of them support MS SQL very clearly. As a part of optimization, it is good for processing huge amounts of data.

    What needs improvement?

    Performance could be improved. There could be more support toward PHP-based websites and toward providing direct plugins for connections, and the related services or application services could be improved. The user interface could be improved so that someone with less knowledge could easily integrate and use that particular module software.

    In the next release, I would like to see a separate tool provided to schedule backup or implement backup solutions on any of the servers that Microsoft has installed. This would be a small utility which I could open and point out the backup parts as well as the type of backup I want. Once I decide the time and set it up, it should be able to connect everything and then accordingly run that back up on an automated basis. 

    Right now, people are making their own utilities to do that same thing, but it would be helpful if we could get it directly from Microsoft. Apart from this, it would be helpful to have small plugins or API-based connections, which could be used for integrating MS SQL with different platforms.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using MS SQL Server for 11 years, from the very first day of my job. MS SQL is widely used because its compatibility is good, especially with the .NET Framework because most are Microsoft products. The integration and the response are good, especially if you have huge amounts of data.

    Now in the market, there are NoSQL options like MongoDB and Hadoop. Previously, there were pretty much three main databases: MS SQL, Oracle, and MySQL. MySQL was mostly used for small software, but many enterprise software were using MySQL because of the configuration, the compatibility, and the performance.

    If you're using platforms like ASP.NET and C#, then you will want MS SQL Server because enterprise-level Microsoft provides many features like analytics services, reporting services, notification services, and now they're providing Microsoft Azure integration services.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    MS SQL is very stable. However, the corruption of databases needs to be handled more accurately. If I'm using MS SQL Server and my server accidentally restarts or one of my machines restarts accidentally, then usually the MDB or the MDF file is corrupted. That corruption of files should be handled more efficiently because the client loses most of the data. Of course, the backup plan should be more efficient, putting less load on the server. That needs to be improved and more optimized.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    Scalability is good. We have worked on almost 25 loads of data and 35 loads of records in a month. Most were working fine, but after time the process slows down a bit. In MS SQL, the initial 70% would work fine, but when the database starts and the load gets full, it causes slow processing. But considering the cost, features, and compatibility with Microsoft, it's a very stable database.

    How are customer service and support?

    I have not been in a situation where I required help directly from MS SQL Server because we have our own service team that handles those issues.

    How was the initial setup?

    Initial setup was a bit complex, but it's doable because it has improved a lot. Previously, it was very hard to install MS SQL. If I had the 2016 version already installed, it allowed me to install 2018 as well. The report features were distributed between two services, and that's where it causes problems.

    What about the implementation team?

    We implement our solutions to the client site.

    Which other solutions did I evaluate?

    For personal websites and personal software that isn't used by more than 100 people, I will always go for MySQL for two reasons: MySQL is free and the enterprise is very low in cost.

    Oracle Enterprise is another option, but the cost is high when you consider that MySQL is free.

    What other advice do I have?

    I would rate this solution 7 out of 10. 

    Microsoft's modules are really good. The syntax used for running the query is really easy. Their options for concurrency and locking are good, as well as their prices. They have created separate models such as distribution services and replication services. They are really good options so that if I want to take that service, I pay for it. If I don't want to, then I don't install it and I don't use it. Modular installation is something that I like about MS SQL Server.

    If you have a lot of knowledge about MS SQL Server, you will be able to handle huge amounts of data very efficiently. However, you should make sure that you have regular backup protection. 

    The servers which you have to purchase for installing, implementing, or managing MS SQL Server need to be optimized in a better way so that you get optimized performance from MS SQL.

    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
    Download our free SQL Server Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
    Updated: December 2024
    Product Categories
    Relational Databases Tools
    Buyer's Guide
    Download our free SQL Server Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.