SQL Server 13: Everything Dev Needs to Know

Hello there, Dev! Are you a database administrator or developer who is curious about the latest version of SQL Server? If so, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will explore the key features and benefits of SQL Server 13, as well as some of the challenges you may encounter when working with this powerful database management system.

What is SQL Server 13?

SQL Server 13 is the latest version of Microsoft’s flagship database management system. It was released in November 2020 and includes several new features and enhancements designed to improve performance, scalability, and security.

Improved Performance

One of the most significant enhancements in SQL Server 13 is improved query performance. Microsoft has made several optimizations to the query engine, including improvements to the way that queries are executed and the way that data is retrieved from disk.

Another performance improvement in SQL Server 13 is the ability to use persistent memory. This allows you to take advantage of high-speed, non-volatile memory to optimize your workloads and reduce latency.

Additionally, SQL Server 13 includes support for graph data, which allows you to model and query complex data relationships more efficiently than ever before.

Enhanced Scalability

Another key feature of SQL Server 13 is enhanced scalability. Microsoft has made several enhancements to the way that SQL Server handles large data sets, including improvements to indexing and partitioning.

Additionally, SQL Server 13 includes support for scale-out clusters, which allows you to distribute your workload across multiple nodes to achieve greater scalability and redundancy.

You can also take advantage of the Azure Cosmos DB service, which provides global distribution and automatic scaling for your SQL Server workloads.

Improved Security

Security is always a top concern for database administrators and developers, and SQL Server 13 includes several new features designed to improve security and compliance.

One important new feature is support for always encrypted with secure enclaves. This allows you to encrypt sensitive data while it is being processed, without exposing the encryption keys to anyone, including administrators or other users.

Another key security enhancement in SQL Server 13 is the ability to use row-level security to ensure that users can only access the data that they are authorized to see.

Other New Features

In addition to the major enhancements we have discussed, SQL Server 13 includes several other new features that may be of interest to developers and administrators. These include:

• The ability to perform in-memory database backups
• Enhanced support for JSON data
• The ability to use machine learning services directly in the database
• Improved support for managing large datasets in Azure Synapse Analytics

Challenges and Considerations

While SQL Server 13 includes many exciting new features and improvements, there are also some challenges that you may encounter when working with this powerful database management system.

Compatibility

One challenge you may face is compatibility with third-party software and legacy systems. It is important to thoroughly test your applications and workflows against SQL Server 13 to ensure that they will function correctly.

Resource Requirements

Another consideration is the resource requirements of SQL Server 13. Because this version includes many new features and enhancements, it may require more computing power and memory than previous versions.

You should carefully evaluate your hardware and infrastructure to ensure that it can support SQL Server 13, and consider upgrading if necessary.

Training and Support

Finally, it is important to consider the training and support that you will need when working with SQL Server 13. Because this is a new version of the software, you may need to invest in additional training and support to ensure that your team can effectively use and manage the system.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about SQL Server 13:

What are the system requirements for SQL Server 13?

The exact system requirements for SQL Server 13 will depend on your specific configuration and workload. However, Microsoft recommends a minimum of 2 cores and 2 GB of RAM for the database engine, and an additional 4 GB of RAM for other features like Analysis Services and Reporting Services.

Is SQL Server 13 available on Azure?

Yes, SQL Server 13 is fully supported on Microsoft Azure. You can use Azure to deploy a new instance of SQL Server 13, or migrate your existing database workloads to the cloud.

How do I upgrade to SQL Server 13?

To upgrade to SQL Server 13, you will first need to ensure that your hardware and infrastructure meet the system requirements. You will then need to purchase a license for the new version of the software and follow the upgrade process outlined in Microsoft’s documentation.

Can I use SQL Server 13 with other Microsoft products like Power BI and Excel?

Yes, SQL Server 13 is fully compatible with other Microsoft products like Power BI and Excel. You can use these tools to connect directly to your SQL Server 13 instance and create reports and visualizations based on your data.

Conclusion

SQL Server 13 is an exciting new release that brings many new features and improvements to Microsoft’s flagship database management system. If you are a database administrator or developer, it is important to evaluate SQL Server 13 and consider whether it is the right choice for your organization.

Be sure to carefully consider the new features and benefits of SQL Server 13, as well as the challenges and considerations that come with using a new version of the software.

With the right planning and preparation, you can take advantage of the many benefits of SQL Server 13 and help your organization achieve greater performance, scalability, and security.