PolyBase, a data virtualization feature for SQL Server, allows users to seamlessly query data from various external sources directly using T-SQL (Transact-SQL) without the need for separate client ...

With best-in-class ease of use on the Windows platform, Microsoft SQL Server 2000 SP2 combines strong administration abilities with leading-edge XML support. Though it's still Windows-centric, ...

When it comes to improving the performance of database systems, there are nearly as many approaches as there are DBA (database administrator) teams. That might sound acceptable at first glance. But, ...

Global software house Microsoft is making big data the focus of SQL Server 2019, set for release later this year. A key part is data virtualisation, eliminating complex ETL processes. Microsoft says ...

Despite its steep licensing costs, SQL Server continues to prove its worth over open-source alternatives in some key areas. SQL Server is an expensive part of your IT stack -- SQL Server Enterprise ...

Microsoft announced a new data access driver for SQL Server that should be the path forward for data developers in the era of .NET Core. As the traditional, Windows-only .NET Framework is basically ...

The daily routine of an IT professional remains largely reactive. A lot of time and budget is spent responding to tickets, limiting the time that we spend creating systems that drive growth and ...

Recent SQL Server 2025, Azure SQL, SSMS 22 and Fabric announcements highlight new event streaming and vector search capabilities, plus expanding monitoring and ontology tooling -- with tradeoffs in ...