A Comprehensive Guide to SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition

Hello Dev, are you looking to upgrade your database management system to SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition? Look no further because we have got you covered. In this article, we will take you through everything you need to know about SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition.

Introduction

SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition is a relational database management system created by Microsoft Corporation. It is designed to store, retrieve, and manage your data in a reliable and efficient manner. It is the ideal platform for businesses of all sizes that require a robust database management system.

In this article, we will cover the key features of SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition, the system requirements, and the installation process. We will also provide an overview of the licensing options available and answer some frequently asked questions.

Key Features

Enhanced In-Memory Performance

SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition includes enhanced in-memory processing capabilities that allow it to deliver faster performance when processing large volumes of data. Through the use of Columnstore indices and In-Memory OLTP, SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition provides a performance boost of up to 30 times over previous versions.

AlwaysOn Availability Groups

SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition includes AlwaysOn Availability Groups, which is a high availability and disaster recovery solution. This feature enables automatic failover for multiple databases across multiple servers, ensuring that your data remains available even in the event of a disaster.

Backup Encryption

SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition includes the ability to encrypt backup files, providing an extra layer of security for your data. You can use the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) or Triple DES (3DES) encryption algorithms to secure your backups.

Resource Governor

SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition includes the Resource Governor feature, which allows you to allocate system resources to different workloads. This ensures that critical workloads receive the necessary resources to perform optimally, while lower priority workloads are limited in their use of system resources.

Enhanced Security

SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition includes enhanced security features such as Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), User-Defined Roles, and Backup Encryption. These features provide improved protection for your data, ensuring that it remains secure at all times.

System Requirements

Before you can install SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition, you need to ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements. The following are the recommended system requirements for installing SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition:

Requirement	Minimum	Recommended
Processor	1.4 GHz (x64 processor)	2.0 GHz or faster (x64 processor)
RAM	2 GB	4 GB or more
Hard Disk	6 GB	10 GB or more

SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition can be installed on Windows Server 2012 or later, or on Windows 8 or later. The installation process is straightforward, and you can choose from several installation options depending on your requirements.

Licensing Options

SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition is licensed on a per-server basis. You can license SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition either by purchasing a license outright or by subscribing through the Microsoft Volume Licensing program.

When you purchase a license, you have the option of choosing between the Server/CAL licensing model or the Per Core licensing model. The Server/CAL licensing model requires you to purchase a server license and a Client Access License (CAL) for each user or device that accesses the server. The Per Core licensing model requires you to purchase a license for each core in the server.

FAQ

Can I upgrade from a previous version of SQL Server to SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition?

Yes, you can upgrade from SQL Server 2005 or later to SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition. The upgrade process is straightforward, and Microsoft provides detailed instructions on how to perform the upgrade.

Does SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition support multi-tenant environments?

Yes, SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition includes support for multi-tenant environments through its Resource Governor feature. This feature allows you to allocate system resources to different workloads, ensuring that each tenant receives the necessary resources to perform optimally.

Can I install SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition on a virtual machine?

Yes, you can install SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition on a virtual machine running Windows Server 2012 or later. However, you need to ensure that the virtual machine meets the recommended system requirements for SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition.

What backup options are available in SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition?

SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition includes several backup options, including full backups, differential backups, and transaction log backups. You can also perform backups to disk or to tape, and you can encrypt your backups for added security.

Does SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition support high availability and disaster recovery?

Yes, SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition includes several features that support high availability and disaster recovery, including AlwaysOn Availability Groups, Database Mirroring, and Log Shipping.

Conclusion

SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition is an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes that require a robust database management system. Its enhanced performance, high availability, and disaster recovery features make it the ideal platform for critical workloads. With its easy installation and licensing options, SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition is the perfect solution for all your data management needs.