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Microsoft SQL Server

microsoft.com

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Spec score 8.5 #24 of 74 in Database Software

What it is

Microsoft SQL Server is a database platform for storing, processing, and securing data, offered with both deployment models and a free plan. Its Database Engine includes replication, full-text search, relational, XML, and JSON data management, as well as Python and R machine-learning services. Integration Services provides graphical tools and programmable objects for moving and transforming data, while PolyBase can query Azure Storage, S3, and ODBC sources. SQL Server 2025 adds vector search, vector embedding generation, text chunking, and DiskANN vector indexing, and integrates with LangChain, Semantic Kernel, Entity Framework Core, Microsoft Azure, and Microsoft Fabric. Microsoft provides downloads for Windows and Linux and a SQL Server container image for Docker. Express is a free entry-level edition for learning and desktop or small server applications; its single Database Engine instance is limited to the lesser of one socket or four cores. Developer editions provide Enterprise or Standard functionality for development and testing, not production. SQL Server 2025 does not support SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.

Spec sheet

Free plan
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com
Integrations
SQL Server 2025 integrates with LangChain, Semantic Kernel, Entity Framework Core, Microsoft Azure, and Microsoft Fabric.Read 11 Oct 2026 · microsoft.com
Security
Microsoft's SQL Server security guidance covers platform and network security, permissions, encryption, and secure connections.Read 11 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
AI features
SQL Server 2025 includes vector search, vector embedding generation, text chunking, and DiskANN vector indexing.Read 11 Oct 2026 · microsoft.com
Data integration
Integration Services provides graphical tools and programmable objects for moving, copying, and transforming data.Read 11 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Data virtualization
PolyBase can query storage sources such as Azure Storage and S3, as well as ODBC data sources.Read 11 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Database engine
SQL Server Database Engine stores, processes, and secures data and includes replication, full-text search, relational, XML and JSON management, and Python and R machine learning services.Read 11 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Developer edition limits
Developer editions include Enterprise or Standard edition functionality but are licensed for development and testing, not production use.Read 11 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Express edition limits
Express is a free entry-level edition for learning and desktop or small server applications; a single Database Engine instance is limited to the lesser of one socket or four cores.Read 11 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Linux support limit
SQL Server 2025 does not support SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.Read 11 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Who it serves
Microsoft describes Enterprise as intended for organizations with complex workloads and Standard as a balance of performance, security, and affordability for businesses.Read 11 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Windows and Linux
Microsoft provides SQL Server downloads for Windows and Linux, as well as a SQL Server container image for Docker.Read 11 Oct 2026 · microsoft.com

Plans and prices

Standard per core Priced on request Standard edition · 2-core pack · Volume licensing and hosting Read 22 Sep 2026 · cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com
Standard per core Price not published Standard edition · 2-core pack · Volume licensing and hosting Read 22 Sep 2026 · cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com
Standard server Priced on request Standard edition · Server license · Volume licensing and hosting Read 22 Sep 2026 · cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com
Standard server Price not published Standard edition · Server license · Volume licensing and hosting Read 22 Sep 2026 · cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com
Standard CAL Priced on request Client access license · Volume licensing and hosting Read 22 Sep 2026 · cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com
Standard CAL Price not published Client access license · Volume licensing and hosting Read 22 Sep 2026 · cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com
Enterprise pay-as-you-go $274 a month Monthly rate; Azure Arc enabled Cloud billing for on-premises and cloud Read 11 Oct 2026 · cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com
Developer – Standard & Enterprise Free Free download; development and testing, not production Read 11 Oct 2026 · microsoft.com
Express Free Free download; desktop, web, and small server applications Read 11 Oct 2026 · microsoft.com
Standard pay-as-you-go $73 a month Monthly rate; Azure Arc enabled Cloud billing for on-premises and cloud Read 11 Oct 2026 · cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com
Standard - CAL $230, paid once Open no-level price; CAL Volume licensing, hosting Read 11 Oct 2026 · cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com
Standard - server $989, paid once Open no-level price; Server license CALs required for users or devices accessing a server under the Server + CAL model; volume licensing, hosting Read 11 Oct 2026 · cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com

Every Microsoft SQL Server plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports relational, XML, and JSON data
  • Includes high availability and read replicas
  • Express is a free entry-level edition
  • Available for Windows and Linux

Limits

  • Developer editions cannot be used in production
  • Express instances are limited to one socket or four cores
  • SQL Server 2025 does not support SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

Who it suits

Express is presented for learning and desktop or small server applications. Microsoft describes Enterprise for organizations with complex workloads and Standard for businesses seeking a balance of performance, security, and affordability.

Verdict

SQL Server offers a range of database, integration, and virtualization capabilities, with distinct free options for learning and non-production work. Edition licensing and use limits matter when choosing a deployment.

Where Specifiction places it

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