Microsoft SQL Server 2022 is going all-in on Azure
>
Microsoft has created SQL Server 2022 (opens in new tab)the latest version of its flagship database software product, available for general release.
The tech giant claimed this is the most “Azure-enabled release of SQL Server” since the software was first unveiled in 1989, and would also mark the software’s first major update in three years.
The new solutions are part of the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform, a cloud platform launched in May 2022 that aims to fully integrate databases, analytics and data management.
Microsoft’s SQL Server 2022 update
Microsoft says SQL Server 2022 will bring enhanced integrations with multiple different Microsoft Azure services, such as the data analytics platform Azure Synapse Link and the data governance solution Microsoft Purview.
These will make it “easier for customers to generate deeper insights, predictions and governance of their data at scale,” the company said.
In addition, the company claims that the enhanced Azure integration also includes managed disaster recovery (DR) to Azure SQL Managed Instance, along with “near real-time analytics”. These features, it argues, enable database administrators to manage their data assets with greater flexibility and minimal impact to end users.
The update also apparently includes a simple connection to the Azure Arc agent, as part of the standard SQL Server 2022 installation process.
Microsoft says this enables additional capabilities, such as a single view of all SQL servers deployed on-premises, in Azure, and other clouds, as well as protection for on-premises data using Microsoft Defender for Cloud.
In addition, the integration with Azure Arc will apparently also support Microsoft Single Sign-On, the company’s secure identity management software, and Azure Active Directory, as well as usage-based billing.
Users can leave their feedback on the new software by visiting Microsoft’s Feedback Portal for SQL Server (opens in new tab). They can also increase their knowledge through Microsoft Learn’s SQL Server 2022 module (opens in new tab) and the Workshop SQL Server 2022. (opens in new tab)