Everything Dev needs to know about SQL Server 2016 SP3

Greetings, Dev! In this article, we will dive deep into SQL Server 2016 SP3 and explore its features, benefits, and enhancements. This version of SQL Server has been designed keeping in mind the changing needs of modern-day organizations. So, let’s get started!

What is SQL Server 2016 SP3?

SQL Server 2016 SP3 is a relational database management system developed and marketed by Microsoft. It is the latest version of SQL Server 2016 and comes with several enhancements and improvements. The SP3 stands for Service Pack 3, which is a collection of bug fixes, security updates, and new features.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s new in SQL Server 2016 SP3:

1. Better security

Security is always a top priority for any organization. SQL Server 2016 SP3 has several new security features that help protect your data from unauthorized access or attacks. Some of these features include:

Feature	Description
Always Encrypted with secure enclaves	Protects sensitive data in transit and at rest
Row-level security	Restricts data access based on users or roles
Dynamic data masking	Prevents sensitive data from being exposed

2. Improved performance

SQL Server 2016 SP3 has several performance improvements that make it faster and more efficient than its predecessors. Some of these improvements include:

• In-Memory OLTP enhancements
• Columnstore index enhancements
• Query store enhancements

3. Support for big data

SQL Server 2016 SP3 has built-in support for big data solutions such as Hadoop and Spark. This allows you to process and analyze large amounts of data within your SQL Server environment. Some of the big data features include:

• PolyBase
• Stretch Database
• Machine Learning Services

4. Better scalability

SQL Server 2016 SP3 has several scalability improvements that make it possible to handle larger workloads and databases. Some of these improvements include:

• Increased maximum database size
• Improved indexing capabilities
• Automatic tuning

5. Enhanced manageability

SQL Server 2016 SP3 has several new features that simplify database management and administration. Some of these features include:

• Centralized management
• Enhanced monitoring and troubleshooting
• Improved backup and restore

FAQs about SQL Server 2016 SP3

Now that we know what’s new in SQL Server 2016 SP3, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about this version:

1. Is SQL Server 2016 SP3 compatible with earlier versions of SQL Server?

Yes, SQL Server 2016 SP3 is compatible with earlier versions of SQL Server. However, some features may not be available in earlier versions.

2. Can I upgrade to SQL Server 2016 SP3 from an earlier version?

Yes, you can upgrade to SQL Server 2016 SP3 from earlier versions of SQL Server. However, you will need to follow the correct upgrade path and ensure that your hardware and software meet the requirements.

3. What are the hardware and software requirements for SQL Server 2016 SP3?

The hardware and software requirements for SQL Server 2016 SP3 depend on the edition and features you want to use. You can find the requirements on the Microsoft website.

4. Can I use SQL Server 2016 SP3 in the cloud?

Yes, you can use SQL Server 2016 SP3 in the cloud using Azure SQL Database or SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines.

5. What is the difference between SQL Server 2016 and SQL Server 2016 SP3?

SQL Server 2016 SP3 is a service pack for SQL Server 2016. It includes bug fixes, security updates, and new features. SQL Server 2016 without the service pack has fewer features and may have more bugs and security vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

SQL Server 2016 SP3 is a powerful and feature-packed database management system that is designed to meet the needs of modern-day organizations. It comes with several new security, performance, scalability, and manageability features that make it faster, more efficient, and easier to use than its predecessors. Whether you’re upgrading from an earlier version of SQL Server or starting fresh, SQL Server 2016 SP3 is a great choice for your database management needs.