Have you ever wondered what it feels like to have a turbo-charged database engine at your disposal, seamlessly handling both Big Data and traditional relational databases? Brace yourselves, Windows warriors, because today we’re talking about Microsoft SQL Server 2019 running on Windows Server 2019. A recent review from AWS Marketplace showers accolades on this dynamic duo but also points out its imperfections, making it clear that excellence sometimes comes with its quirks.
Let’s unpack this tech marvel, explore its use cases, dive into costs and performance, and see whether it's worth adding to your Windows IT arsenal.
According to a recent reviewer, SQL Server 2019 does the following exceptionally well:
| Attribute | Kudos | Woes |
|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Performance | Blazing-fast queries on big and small data alike. | Performance may suffer when run on smaller hardware setups. |
| Security | Top-notch encryption and privacy safeguards. | Advanced auditing tools not available in the Standard edition. |
| Scalability | Stellar support for both small and large datasets. | Big Data Clusters not available in Standard. |
| Cost | Worth every penny—if you have the pennies. | License costs can skyrocket as resources grow. |
| Ease of Use | Seamless integration with Azure and other Microsoft tools. | Not always straightforward for newcomers, especially when scaling. |
However, if you’re tight on budget or not running resource-heavy applications, you may want to opt for an alternative or explore lower-tiered licensing models.
Source: Amazon Web Services Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Reviews
Let’s unpack this tech marvel, explore its use cases, dive into costs and performance, and see whether it's worth adding to your Windows IT arsenal.
Setting the Scene: Where SQL Server 2019 Stands
SQL Server 2019 isn’t just a database—it’s the database for businesses juggling anything from small-scale relational datasets to massive high-velocity Big Data. Built with scalability, powerful security features, and diverse tool integrations, it caters to developers, database admins, and CXOs alike. On Windows Server 2019, it achieves that sweet spot of compatibility, reliability, and performance that’s hard to beat.According to a recent reviewer, SQL Server 2019 does the following exceptionally well:
- Handles Big Data Seamlessly: Thanks to Big Data Clusters, you can run analytics on relational and non-relational data within the same ecosystem.
- Maintains Speed and Security: Fast query execution, robust encryption, and turtle-shell security make it ideal for mission-critical applications.
- Plays Well With Others: Integration with other Microsoft and third-party tools makes it a go-to choice for businesses of all shapes and sizes.
SQL Server Features Lookbook: The Good, The Great, and the Missing
The Good — Core Functionality & Performance
SQL Server 2019 on Windows Server 2019 knocks it out of the park in key areas:- Compatibility With Big Data and Traditional Relational Data: Ever heard of "Big Data Clusters"? This is SQL Server’s way of letting you process and analyze big datasets (think Apache Spark, HDFS) alongside your relational data in a unified system. It’s like hosting the ultimate party where structured and unstructured data get to mingle freely.
- TDE (Transparent Data Encryption): Smooth encryption of sensitive data, perfect for industries that treat privacy as paramount.
- Blazing Query Speed: Whether you’re crunching through millions of records or dynamically creating complex reports, SQL Server’s optimized query engine won’t leave you hanging. Query Store tracks execution plans, ensuring consistent query performance.
The Great — Enhanced Integrations
If you’re deep in the Windows ecosystem, SQL Server feels like the crown jewel of database solutions:- Azure Integration: SQL Server 2019 integrates neatly with Azure, allowing for hybrid cloud environments where some workloads live on-prem while others scale in Microsoft's cloud. Perfect for businesses flirting with cloud migration or stuck at the crossroads.
- PolyBase: This tool adds the cherry on top, allowing SQL Server to query external data stores like Oracle, MongoDB, and Hadoop using basic T-SQL syntax. Consider it SQL Server’s way of saying, “Sure, I’ll talk to everyone at the party!”
The Missing Pieces — Standard Edition Limitations
Despite its rich offerings, the Standard edition has some glaring omissions, such as:- No Online Indexing: Need to tweak an index in real time? The Standard edition can’t help; only the Enterprise edition supports online index operations. Better factor in maintenance windows for making changes.
- No Big Data Clusters: Yep, you read that right—one of SQL Server 2019's crown jewels is confined entirely to Enterprise. Womp womp.
- Licensing Costs: SQL Server’s per-core pricing model means costs can spiral. Whether you’re running on-premise or tapping AUFs (Azure Hybrid Benefits), taking full stock of licensing requirements is critical.
Real-World Pros and Cons
Let’s face it—SQL Server 2019’s shiny features make it fantastic, but its limitations may raise some eyebrows. Here's a breakdown for your quick review:| Attribute | Kudos | Woes |
|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Performance | Blazing-fast queries on big and small data alike. | Performance may suffer when run on smaller hardware setups. |
| Security | Top-notch encryption and privacy safeguards. | Advanced auditing tools not available in the Standard edition. |
| Scalability | Stellar support for both small and large datasets. | Big Data Clusters not available in Standard. |
| Cost | Worth every penny—if you have the pennies. | License costs can skyrocket as resources grow. |
| Ease of Use | Seamless integration with Azure and other Microsoft tools. | Not always straightforward for newcomers, especially when scaling. |
Alternatives and Competitors
As good as SQL Server 2019 is, don’t overlook its competitors if you’re comparing products like a savvy buyer:- PostgreSQL: Often favored by open-source aficionados, PostgreSQL offers robust functionality including procedural languages (PL/pgSQL). Consider it if total cost of ownership is a sticking point.
- Oracle Database: While notoriously expensive, Oracle’s feature set is tough to beat for global enterprises handling gargantuan datasets.
- MySQL: A lightweight option that caters to developers needing simple database support without the premium features (and cost!) of SQL Server.
Conclusion: Is SQL Server 2019 Right for You?
Let’s cut to the chase—if you’re already a Windows Server aficionado or you need a robust, scalable database environment with top-notch security and hybrid cloud options, SQL Server 2019 is an outstanding choice. Yes, Standard edition’s limitations might sting, but often they’re outweighed by the platform’s strengths. And let’s not discount the peace-of-mind factor that comes with long-term support in Microsoft’s ecosystem.However, if you’re tight on budget or not running resource-heavy applications, you may want to opt for an alternative or explore lower-tiered licensing models.
Next Steps:
- Prepare for Optimized Setup: Make sure your server hardware supports SQL Server’s resource-intensive demands.
- Evaluate Licensing Needs: Don’t get surprised by costs—run scenarios with the Microsoft Core Licensing Calculator.
- Stay Secure: Explore Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and Always Encrypted for maximum security.
Source: Amazon Web Services Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Reviews