What Is MS SQL Server?

MS SQL Server is a relational database management system, or an RDBMS system, that was invented by Microsoft. It is specifically built for the fundamental function of storing and retrieving data whenever required by different applications.

This server can be run on the same computer or any other device across a network. Here we’ll understand what is MS SQL Server, MS SQL versions, and editions, and how it is useful in superior data management. 

Understanding What is MS SQL Server?

MS SQL Server is a software developed by Microsoft and built on RDBMS standards. It is also a platform-dependent software, i.e., it supports both command-line as well as GUI platforms. MS SQL Server supports SQL (structured query language), which is a standard language for database creation and manipulation, a product of IBM. It is also a non-procedural and case-insensitive language.

Benefits of SQL Server

• Flexibility and Performance Efficiency: MS SQL Server is developed for handling vast amounts of data effectively, scaling easily from small apps to huge business solutions. 
• Advanced Safety Measures: MS SQL contains powerful safety features like authentication, authorization, and encryption.
• Uninterrupted Service: Different features, such as database mirroring and Always On Availability, assure consistent access to data and minimum downtimes.
• Complete Data Management: MS SQL Server streamlines the process of data management through data integration, transformation, and analysis.
• Data Analytics: In-built tools such as SSAS (SQL Server Analysis Services) and SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) provide strong capabilities for data analytics and reporting.
• Seamless Microsoft Integrations: MS SQL Server effortlessly integrates with other Microsoft products, like Azure, Power BI, and Excel, improving its performance and user-friendliness.
• Support Various Data Types: MS SQL Server is versatile as it supports several data types, like relational, XML, JSON, and spatial data.
• Data Backup and Recovery: It has powerful SQL server database backup and recovery options, which assure data integrity and security.
• Easy-To-Use Interface: SSMS, i.e., SQL Server Management Studio, provides an easy-to-use GUI (graphical user interface) for database management.
• Extensive Community Support: A powerful SQL user community and huge documentation offer useful resources for problem-solving and learning.

Related: How to Download and Install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) on Windows Server?

MS SQL Server Editions

MS SQL Server is presented in different editions: 

SQL Server Architecture

MS SQL Server is mainly created around a row-based or row-store database structure that links related data elements in various tables together, thereby eliminating the necessity to repetitively store data in different places in a database.  

This relational database model also offers foreign key constraints, also known as referential integrity, and other DBMS integrity constraints for the purposes of ensuring data accuracy. These validations adhered to the atomicity principles, consistency, isolation, and durability, guaranteeing the accurate processing of database transactions. 

Database Engine is the key component of MS SQL Server. It manages data storage, processing, access, and security. As many as 50 Database Engine instances can be configured on a single computer. 

MS SQL Server consists of a relational engine that helps in running different commands and queries and a storage engine that handles database files, tables, pages, indexes, data buffers, and transactions. Database Engine also creates and executes stored procedures, triggers, views, and other database objects. 

After getting connected, information regarding the instance name where the database engine is set up should be provided. Alternatively, details about the network protocols and the network connection port can be provided. 

Below the Database Engine, there’s a SQLOS (SQL Server Operating System). It manages low-level functions like memory, input/output management, job scheduling, and data locking to prevent opposing updates.

Above the Database Engine, there’s a network interface layer, which makes use of Microsoft’s Tabular Data Stream protocol to enable request-response communication with database servers.

Furthermore, at the individual user level, MS SQL DBAs and developers write T-SQL statements to develop and modify database structures, and alongside other activities, they deploy safety measures, manipulate data, and back up databases.