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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.

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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.

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System Administrator at ARTIc
Real User
Easy query creation, scalable, and reliable
Pros and Cons
  • "We have found the solution valuable because we are able to easily create a query, shrink, backup, and make new tables."
  • "If you are a new user then this solution could be difficult, they could improve by making the overall usage easier."

What is our primary use case?

We are using SQL Server for the backend of our SAP and are planning on moving to a cloud version soon.

How has it helped my organization?

This solution has helped our organization by providing a backbone for our SAP. We would not be able to operate without it.

What is most valuable?

We have found the solution valuable because we are able to easily create a query, shrink, backup, and make new tables.

What needs improvement?

We are using an older version of SQL Server and the migration to a newer version could be made easier.

If you are a new user then this solution could be difficult, they could improve by making the overall usage easier.

In an upcoming release, they could improve the ability to customize the solution.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using SQL Server for approximately ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We have not experienced any problems with the stability of this solution.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

SQL Server is scalable.

How are customer service and technical support?

We have not used the support from Microsoft. However, we did have freelance support a few times.

How was the initial setup?

The installation is very easy. We did not have any challenges.

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

The price of the solution is very expensive. If I went with the cloud version of SQL a license would cost me approximately 11,000 Riyals per month.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We have a team that has evaluated other solutions before we chose SQL Server, such as Oracle.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution. However, Oracle has a good reputation for quality that might be a better choice.

I rate SQL Server an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner

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IT Manager at a construction company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Top 5
Allows to set up redundant databases and replication in the databases
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution's most valuable feature is that we can set up redundant databases and replication in the databases."
  • "The solution’s pricing is high."

What is our primary use case?

We use SQL Server to query our database for specific reports we need to write for our clients.

What is most valuable?

The solution's most valuable feature is that we can set up redundant databases and replication in the databases. SQL Server has very good integration capabilities.

What needs improvement?

The solution’s pricing is high.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using SQL Server for ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

SQL Server is a very stable solution,

I rate the solution’s stability a nine out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution’s scalability is quite good. Around 30 users use the solution in our organization. Currently, I use SQL Server about once a week.

I rate the solution an eight out of ten for scalability.

How was the initial setup?

On a scale from one to ten, where one is difficult and ten is easy, I rate the solution's initial setup a nine out of ten.

What about the implementation team?

The solution was implemented by an in-house team in a couple of hours.

What was our ROI?

SQL Server has dramatically improved our ROI. We couldn't do without it, and it's been a very valuable tool.

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

On a scale from one to ten, where one is cheap and ten is expensive, I rate the solution's pricing a seven out of ten.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend the solution to users looking for any form of transactional database or commercial database.

Overall, I rate the solution 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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Independent Consultant at Unaikui
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Enables us to have continuous integration with high uptime
Pros and Cons
  • "The stability is fine, especially if you're hosting it on AWS or Azure. You can get up to 99.99% stability on AWS."
  • "Support could be improved."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution for continuous integration, including CI/CD integration.

What needs improvement?

Support could be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using SQL Server since 1992. I’ve used AWS and Azure for two and three years, respectively.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability is fine, especially if you're hosting it on AWS or Azure. You can get up to 99.99% stability on AWS.

I rate the solution’s stability an eight out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

You can scale to any extent. You need to increase your EC2 or your app server.

Six team sites with 50 users each are using this solution.

How are customer service and support?

Sometimes the response time was high.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward. Depending on the complexity, setting up the infrastructure can take a while. You can work on MVP. To deploy on AWS, select SQL Server along with several calls and CPU.

What about the implementation team?

The solution was deployed in-house.

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

You receive other products, like free usage, depending on the number of product shares.

What other advice do I have?

You can use a Cloudflare or web application layer that controls security. Furthermore, you can implement SQL reverse proxy practices for in-house environments and beyond.

To ensure the security of my SQL server, we typically set up a configuration where an API communicates with the SQL Server, and there's a front-end interface. This setup prevents direct access to the database.

Four people are required for the solution’s maintenance, but it depends on the complexity of the solution. You can put one senior and three trainees.

Overall, I rate the solution 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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Raphael Haroun  Ikyagh - PeerSpot reviewer
Network Administrator at Letshego
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
A stable and straightforward solution that is easy to use and can be deployed quickly
Pros and Cons
  • "The product is easy to use."
  • "The pricing could be better."

What is most valuable?

The product enables us to grant access to users. The product is easy to use.

What needs improvement?

The pricing could be better.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for about four years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We did not have any issues with stability. The tool is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The tool is scalable. Four other users have access to the server. We are not planning to increase the usage.

How was the initial setup?

The setup is straightforward. The deployment does not take very long.

What about the implementation team?

We did not use an integrator for the deployment. Our in-house team has been able to deploy the tool well.

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

We pay a yearly licensing fee.

What other advice do I have?

I recommend the solution to others. The solution is straightforward to work with. Overall, I rate the product 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
EverVidal - PeerSpot reviewer
Architect of Solutions at Interbank
Real User
It's an inexpensive solution that integrates well with cloud-based tools
Pros and Cons
  • "SQL Server is an inexpensive solution. I recommend it if the project isn't sensitive. SQL is similar to Oracle and integrates well with tools in the cloud environment. The difference is that Oracle is for data solutions where there is replication and moderation."
  • "Our biggest problem with SQL Server is latency. The communication between the cloud and the on-premises environment is slow. The data needs to be encrypted for security, and you have to exchange data certificates between environments. You can adjust the configuration to improve performance, but it would be nice if SQL Server had some templates to resolve problems."

What is our primary use case?

I have SQL Server running in an on-premise environment, but we are testing it out on the cloud. We are trying out using APIs to access a database. SQL Server creates a lot of opportunities for us. While some of the larger companies have Oracle, SQL Server is more common in Peru. I'm responsible for administration and implementation, including configuration and data replication.

What needs improvement?

Our biggest problem with SQL Server is latency. The communication between the cloud and the on-premises environment is slow. The data needs to be encrypted for security, and you have to exchange data certificates between environments. You can adjust the configuration to improve performance, but it would be nice if SQL Server had some templates to resolve problems.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with SQL Server for 10 years. 

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

I worked on Oracle Database for four years. In the last year, I have been working with various cloud databases, including Cosmos DB and DynamoDB in AWS and Azure.

What other advice do I have?

I rate SQL Server nine out of 10. SQL Server is an inexpensive solution. I recommend it if the project isn't sensitive. SQL is similar to Oracle and integrates well with tools in the cloud environment. The difference is that Oracle is for data solutions where there is replication and moderation.

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
Sr. Supervisor - Enterprises Application DBA at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
A relational database management system that's easy to use
Pros and Cons
  • "I like that it's very easy to use, and Veeam is excellent. There are tons of experts and writers in the area now, and we don't find the same for other databases."
  • "The price could be better. In the next release, it would be better if the database was more easily extendable."

What is our primary use case?

Despite the core database is not SQL Server in my working company, SQL Server is widely being used as the backend for many in-house applications and customized applications like Solarwinds.


How has it helped my organization?

Helping to effectively and efficiently manage the business-critical data

What is most valuable?

- There are hundreds of "Dynamic Management Views" (DMVs) & Dynamic Management Functions (DMFs) that are system views & system functions that return metadata of the system state and they provide valuable insight into the current SQL instance state. 

- Resumable online index rebuild 

- Table Partitioning and the Swap out to covert a Table Partition into a separate table.

- Python & R2 Integration, Graph Databases

- Automatic Database Tuning

- Very reliable Backup technology and many more

What needs improvement?

The price could be better:

Compare to Oracle it is cheaper but with the existence of many open source databases currently in the market, consider reducing the Licensing cost. Secondly, with the Core-based Licensing since SQL 2012 Version, the SQL Licensing price has substantially increased.

Postgres Extensions is a concept in Postgres to extend the Postgres features that are very useful for Performance Monitoring & Optimizations. Similarly option to extend the features as necessary.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using SQL Server for 12 years.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It's been scalable since 2016. With each version, they are adding more features which are very helpful. 

How are customer service and technical support?

On a rare occasion, I had contacted technical support about five or six years ago and only when I had a specific use case.

How was the initial setup?

The GUI-based step-by-step initial setup is easier for the initial setup and even the Jr.DBAs can handle it with minimal training. The automated installation is possible with PowerShell Scripts and the Infrastructure Provisioning and Configurations tools like Ansible. We managed to automate the SQL installation using Ansible Playbooks and Gitlab to deploy Continous Integration and Continous Deployment.

What about the implementation team?

We implemented this solution by ourselves.

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

CPU Core-based Licensing & Windows Licensing costs are additional overheads compare to open source databases like MySQL and PostgreSQL.

Managed SQL Server Database Service in Azure is lagging with many features like Linked Server, DB Mail.

SQL Server deployment in the Cloud does not seem to be cost-effective with respect to the Licensing cost and average Life cycle of 5 years (I reiterate, this is in my opinion). 

If you take Postgre SQL and MySQL, they provide almost all the same features even though they are both open source databases.

What other advice do I have?

I recommend this solution because you can engage in database manipulation, administration and manage almost all your requirements. When compared to Oracle licensing costs, SQL Server is better. 

On a scale from one to ten, I would give SQL Server a 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
reviewer1635153 - PeerSpot reviewer
VP Global Information Technology at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
A scalable and stable solution with a flawless setup
Pros and Cons
  • "The initial setup is easy, flawless."
  • "I want to see one improvement and this involves the replication between the DC and DR."

What is our primary use case?

We are using the latest version.

We can use the solution for the same application. On the database side we have Microsoft SQL and on the operating system side we have 2019.

What needs improvement?

I want to see one improvement and this involves the replication between the DC and DR. We have limited options at the moment and it does not lend sufficient support for the number of databases. This means we have a huge number of databases, topping approximately 2,000. For the moment, this particular replication is not supported by SQL. 

The support number of databases needs to be increased, as well as the database number of databases that it supports. That support cannot be found when it comes to the replication between the DC and DR. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using SQL Server for ten years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is sufficiently stable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable. 

How are customer service and technical support?

When it comes to the speed, knowledge and customer-friendliness of the technical support, we feel these to be good. 

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

We did not use other solutions prior to SQL Server. 

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is easy, flawless. 

It lasts a single day. 

What about the implementation team?

We handed the implementation on our own. 

This involved a technical team of 15 people. 

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

There is a need to pay for the license for SQL Server. We have an enterprise license, which we consider to be fine. 

What other advice do I have?

We have 10,000 customers. 

I would recommend the solution to others. 

SQL Server is good and I rate it as 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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