Microsoft Launches Latest SQL Server Across Windows, Linux, Docker

Microsoft has recently released the latest version of its SQL Server product not only to its home platform, windows, but also for Linux, which is indeed a milestone by the Software giant. The launch marks the first time Microsoft has released a SQL Server version for Linux and Docker.

It is to be noted that the initial support is only given for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), SUSE Enterprise Linux, and Ubuntu Linux distribution platforms.

The move is due to Microsoft' s intention of Microsoft to tap into the platform’ s capabilities without having to learn a new programming language.

Scott Guthrie, executive vice president at Microsoft’ s Cloud and Enterprise Group, said that

“ The bottom line is that SQL Server 2017 delivers industry-leading, mission critical performance and security with everything built in, including AI, now on the platform of your choice,” during a keynote address at this week’ s Microsoft Ignite event.

The SQL Server is an on-premises database system used for storing data. The company offers variations of the platform targeted at private, public, and hybrid cloud environments.

The SQL Server 2017 itself includes a new adaptive query-processing engine designed to be faster than its predecessor. It also uses machine-learning models built with R and Python that can run directly inside the database.

“ This means you can train advanced models easily with data inside SQL Server without having to move data,” Guthrie said.

It is also believed that the support for Linux and Docker continues Microsoft’ s push on using open source platforms. Interestingly, the global software giant shocked the entire world by joining hands with the Linux Foundation last year. Microsoft has since worked on integrating various Linux and open source platforms into its cloud and container work.

In fact, a number of sessions at this week’ s Ignite event have been dedicated to hands-on work in using Linux platforms within the Windows ecosystem.