This chapter introduces SQL Server, discusses its usage, advantages, versions, and components.
What is SQL Server?
It is a software, developed by Microsoft, which is implemented from the specification of RDBMS.
It is also an ORDBMS.
It is platform dependent.
It is both GUI and command based software.
It supports SQL (SEQUEL) language which is an IBM product, non-procedural, common database and case insensitive language.
Usage of SQL Server
- To create databases.
- To maintain databases.
- To analyze the data through SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS).
- To generate reports through SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).
- To carry out ETL operations through SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS).
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Versions of SQL Server
| Version | Year | Code Name |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 1995 | SQL95 |
| 6.5 | 1996 | Hydra |
| 7.0 | 1998 | Sphinx |
| 8.0 (2000) | 2000 | Shiloh |
| 9.0 (2005) | 2005 | Yukon |
| 10.0 (2008) | 2008 | Katmai |
| 10.5 (2008 R2) | 2010 | Kilimanjaro |
| 11.0 (2012) | 2012 | Denali |
| 12 (2014) | 2014 | Hekaton (initially), SQL 14 (current) |
SQL Server Components
SQL Server works in client-server architecture, hence it supports two types of components − (a) Workstation and (b) Server.
Workstation components are installed in every device/SQL Server operator’s machine. These are just interfaces to interact with Server components. Example: SSMS, SSCM, Profiler, BIDS, SQLEM etc.
Server components are installed in centralized server. These are services. Example: SQL Server, SQL Server Agent, SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, SQL browser, SQL Server full text search etc.
Instance of SQL Server
- An instance is an installation of SQL Server.
- An instance is an exact copy of the same software.
- If we install 'n' times, then 'n' instances will be created.
- There are two types of instances in SQL Server a) Default b) Named.
- Only one default instance will be supported in one Server.
- Multiple named instances will be supported in one Server.
- Default instance will take the server name as Instance name.
- Default instance service name is MSSQLSERVER.
- 16 instances will be supported in 2000 version.
- 50 instances will supported in 2005 and later versions.
Advantages of Instances
- To install different versions in one machine.
- To reduce cost.
- To maintain production, development, and test environments separately.
- To reduce temporary database problems.
- To separate security privileges.
- To maintain standby server.
MS SQL Server - Editions
SQL Server is available in various editions. This chapter lists the multiple editions with its features.
Enterprise − This is the top-end edition with a full feature set.
Standard − This has less features than Enterprise, when there is no requirement of advanced features.
Workgroup − This is suitable for remote offices of a larger company.
Web − This is designed for web applications.
Developer − This is similar to Enterprise, but licensed to only one user for development, testing and demo. It can be easily upgraded to Enterprise without reinstallation.
Express − This is free entry level database. It can utilize only 1 CPU and 1 GB memory, the maximum size of the database is 10 GB.
Compact − This is free embedded database for mobile application development. The maximum size of the database is 4 GB.
Datacenter − The major change in new SQL Server 2008 R2 is Datacenter Edition. The Datacenter edition has no memory limitation and offers support for more than 25 instances.
Business Intelligence − Business Intelligence Edition is a new introduction in SQL Server 2012. This edition includes all the features in the Standard edition and support for advanced BI features such as Power View and PowerPivot, but it lacks support for advanced availability features like AlwaysOn Availability Groups and other online operations.
Enterprise Evaluation − The SQL Server Evaluation Edition is a great way to get a fully functional and free instance of SQL Server for learning and developing solutions. This edition has a built-in expiry of 6 months from the time that you install it.
| 2005 | 2008 | 2008 R2 | 2012 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Standard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Developer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Workgroup | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Win Compact Edition - Mobile | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Enterprise Evaluation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Express | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Datacenter | No | No | ||
| Business Intelligence | Yes |
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