Microsoft SQL Server Reviews & Insights

Score8.7 out of 10

1,630 Reviews and Ratings

Community insights

TrustRadius Insights for Microsoft SQL Server are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, third party data sources.

Pros

Ease of Use and Integration: Users have consistently found the software easy to use, praising its simple design and common interface. They also appreciate its seamless integration capabilities with various frameworks and tools like Visual Studio, Dot Net, MSBI, PowerBI, Crystal Reports, etc.

Reliability and Performance: Reviewers have highlighted the software's reliability in handling high volume transactions and data staging operations. They also value its fast performance, intuitive SQL coding experience, efficient data table management, and quick information filtering capabilities.

Data Management Capabilities: Users have praised the software for its functionalities as a relational database server and its support for OEM applications. They particularly appreciate its features for data storage, manipulation, scalability options, quick data analysis abilities, troubleshooting tools availability, and maintenance procedures.

Microsoft SQL Server Reviews

23 Reviews

Small Businesses (1-50 employees)

Microsoft SQL Server inspiration

Rating: 8 out of 10

Incentivized

November 22, 2024

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Microsoft SQL Server supports the databases for our primary accounting system (MS Dynamics GP). This avoids us using much less efficient flat files or less compliant software from, for example, open source solutions.

Pros

Transaction oriented
Low resource useage
Universal compatibility

Cons

Query interface
Management interface
Logging

Likelihood to Recommend

Support for any data set that has relational or repetitive data is a good place for Microsoft SQL Server. It scales well and has the instructions to do almost anything you need it to do. It is also extremely scriptable.

Verified User

Manager in Information Technology (Financial Services company, 11-50 employees)

Vetted Review

15 years of experience

Microsoft SQL is a valuable tool to manage and present information across platforms.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Incentivized

October 10, 2024

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I work for a company that creates a software suite that allows our customers to manage and track their work, their companies and contacts, user logins, etc. We use an extensive database built over the years and several stored procedures that can be called from our software to perform calculations and format data in needed layouts.

Pros

It stores information.
It is very reliable, with a few notable exceptions.
It connects with other software quickly, and tools are provided to facilitate that.

Cons

SQL does not run on Snapdragon or any ARM processors in general. Vendors like Dell are starting to sell laptops with ARM-based processors, and while Windows will work, SQL refuses to run.
When Windows 11 came out, SQL would fail after the upgrade from 10 to 11 because Windows 11 formatted the disk with larger sector sizes than SQL allows. This left a lot of our customers unable to use our software until they reverted to Windows 10. Since then, a registry hack has been made available to let SQL run, but we lost quite a bit of customer goodwill. Microsoft needs to test its software, Windows, and SQL on various platforms before pushing upgrades to avoid this.
Since 2008, the maximum database size available to SQL Express has been 10 gigabytes. However, 10 gigs does not go nearly as far now as it did then, and this needs to be doubled.

Likelihood to Recommend

Microsoft SQL is ubiquitous, while MySQL runs under the hood all over the place. Microsoft SQL is the platform taught in colleges and certification courses and is the one most likely to be used by businesses because it is backed by Microsoft. Its interface is friendly (well, as pleasant as SQL can be) and has been used by so many for so long that resources are freely available if you encounter any issues.

Verified User

Technician in Customer Service (Computer Software company, 11-50 employees)

Vetted Review

18 years of experience

Microsoft SQL Server review

Rating: 10 out of 10

Incentivized

June 28, 2024

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I primarily use Microsoft SQL Server 2019 and 2022 data engine to run commercial workloads of various customers. A frequent configuration use case is the usage of Microsoft SQL Server Always On failover cluster instances to provide high availability and redundancy at the Microsoft SQL Server instance level. In some cases, I also make use of Microsoft SQL Server replication to ensure that a primary (publisher) database is replicated, by using transaction of snapshot replication, to a subscriber SQL instance from which the customer can run various SQL queries for analytical reporting purposes without affecting the SQL production workloads. Another common case where I make use of Microsoft SQL Server is when running hybrid cloud SQL workloads, in which case I combine on-premise SQL Server deployments, Azure VM-based SQL Server deployments and Azure SQL or Azure SQL Managed Instance resources.

Pros

Always On failover cluster instances for high availability
Microsoft SQL Server replication for keeping synchronized copy of a database
Microsoft SQL Server maintenance plans for maintaining integrity and performance of the affected databases

Cons

Microsoft SQL Server Enterprise edition has a high cost but is the only edition which supports SQL Always On Availability Groups. It would be nice to include this feature in the Standard version.
Licensing of Microsoft SQL Server is a quite complex matter, it would be good to simplify licensing in the future. For example, per core vs per user CAL licensing, as well as complex licensing scenarios in the Cloud and on Edge locations.
It would be good to include native tools for converting Oracle, DB2, Postgresql and MySQL/MariaDB databases (schema and data) for import into Microsoft SQL Server.

Likelihood to Recommend

Microsoft SQL Server is ideal for highly available SQL workloads by using SQL Server Always On availability groups. Microsoft SQL Server might not be appropriate for solutions which require a very low resource footprint, since it requires significant CPU cores and RAM memory as well as high IOPS, always depending on the usage scenario.

Verified User

Professional in Information Technology (Information Technology & Services company, 1-10 employees)

Vetted Review

10 years of experience

SQL Server - The best option as DB

Rating: 10 out of 10

Incentivized

July 21, 2021

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We have been using SQL Server through AWS RDS and it is our main tool in terms of data. All collected data from our system goes directly to the SQL Server before going to RedShift. So, we call it internally our live data and it contains everything in real-time.

Pros

It's the most used Database so it's mandatory to have knowledge for most of the roles today
You can find anything your need related to SQL Server on forums
Easy Implementation

Cons

I don't see too much to improve but maybe a more intuitive or graphical way to monitor the performance

Likelihood to Recommend

It is very well suited if you need to store data in the relational model. It is a very powerful tool and can be used from small companies to huge companies. As it is the most used database in the market you can find all the necessary information and how to make it works in a better way.

Verified User

Employee in Information Technology (Computer Software company, 11-50 employees)

Vetted Review

6 years of experience

Why Choose a Product Based on MS SQL?

Rating: 10 out of 10

Incentivized

June 18, 2021

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

It is used as a back-end database engine for front-end client databases. Client is installed on user computers and it connects to a Microsoft SQL Server server for data.

Pros

It supplies a quick and easy way to analyze raw data when troubleshooting.
It gives the ability to easily create non standard ad hoc reports for clients.
It provides a standard platform for trouble shooting when we need to bring in engineers with advanced skills to solve problems.
It provides great tools for testing and development off line.

Cons

Configuration of the environment to create compatibility and restrict resource uses.
Configuration of connections in configuration manager.
Connection of data to other Microsoft products like Excel.

Likelihood to Recommend

My ability to support the recommendation with skills I have gained using Microsoft SQL Server. My ability to provide Microsoft SQL Server queries and stored procedures to others when supporting Microsoft SQL Server in an environment. Ease of moving data into Microsoft SQL Server. It does present problems when importing data from older versions or other sources and takes advanced skills in many cases. Installer is a bit baffling at times and you have to just know from experience what to check or uncheck in the process. Needs a better way to determine what version to use, where and with which licensing mode. Express version often fails for unexplained reasons even though the environment, data size, number of connections.... all are within spec.

Rick Hahn

Consultant \ Support in Information Technology at Rick Hahn Tech Services (Computer Software, 1-10 employees)

Vetted Review

10 years of experience

MS SQL Server

Rating: 8 out of 10

Incentivized

May 25, 2021

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

For the uninitiated it is first important to point out that many programs use a Database at the back-end and the end-user will be totally unaware of that fact. So Microsoft SQL Server is a Database software. You (or the program you use) can enter all the needed information and then retrieve it when needed.

Pros

Holds data tables
Filters information quickly
Integrates with many programs

Cons

Installation is pretty complicated
Needs professional maintenance
Costs a pretty penny

Likelihood to Recommend

Some programs just require Microsoft SQL Server as the back-end Database, but if you have the choice I would go for one of the open-source free alternatives.
If you have a big base of Data, for instance, your customers' contact information, each customer's own detailed contract and layout, their tickets and service hours. You want to store them all in a organized manner and be able to retrieve any information quickly. That's when you use a Database of any kind and Microsoft SQL Server is one such Database programs which does a good job.

Verified User

C-Level Executive in Information Technology (Information Technology and Services company, 1-10 employees)

Vetted Review

10 years of experience

Microsoft SQL Server- Excellent Platform

Rating: 9 out of 10

Incentivized

May 13, 2021

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Microsoft SQL Server houses our databases for our CRM application. The CRM application is the core system that contains all of our company's information to function as a Distributor of safety products. The CRM application has many functions that would not perform properly without the use of the Microsoft SQL server.

Pros

Mircosoft SQL Server allows mutliple database to be set up for business purposes.
Microsoft SQL Server allows jobs to be scheduled after hours, when no one is in the office.
Microsoft SQL Server allows queries to be run to gather specific information needed.
Microsoft SQL Server allows security settings that will only allow specified users access. Easy disable employees no longer with the company.
Microsoft SQL Server has an activity monitor that will show any errors.

Cons

I have been using Microsoft SQL Server for 12 years and I have no complaints.

Likelihood to Recommend

Microsoft SQL Server is great, as long as the user is familiar enough with it. There are always free classes online that will assist with gaining knowledge. In my past life, I was support for users. Currently, I am the user. Anytime, I need to understand something that I am not familiar with, I simply google it and someone out there has an answer. There is never an issue with having too much data as it does hold a lot.

Kimberly Graham

Operations Manager at Emergent Safety Supply (Logistics & Supply Chain, 11-50 employees)

Vetted Review

12 years of experience

Database Administration With Microsoft SQL Server

Rating: 10 out of 10

Incentivized

May 13, 2021

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

This is the database engine we use for our own systems and for our clients. So we use it internaly and externaly, to store all the information we need to have control of.
Also this is the source for different process and reports, outside the database sich as Power BI.
It helps a lot with the database storing, since it is very easy to use and manage.

Pros

Safe to store and query information
Query optimization
Scheduled jobs and tasks
Easy to code.
Maintenance procedures

Cons

External data sources
Support and chatting

Likelihood to Recommend

Our companny is a Service Desk, and IT Support supplier. We have different needs regarding information, ticketing systems, clients systems and also our company internal information such as HR related.
We are capable to keep the information always available around the globe, also this is kept in a safe way.
We have our systems working on several countries, and the response time, is always excelent.

John Ramírez

Database Administrator in Information Technology at System Crew GmbH (Information Technology & Services, 11-50 employees)

Vetted Review

10 years of experience

View profile

Microsoft SQL Server: it's the data that matters.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Incentivized

April 14, 2021

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We utilize Microsoft SQL Server as the database for our Epicor Prophet 21 ERP system. It is used by all of our users to process the products that we sell, the potential customers for our Sales staff, and our purchasing department to order from suppliers. We also utilize SQL Reporting to create custom SQL reports for Management and end users. Microsoft SQL Server helps address the ability for management to easily query and access necessary business metrics. Customized SQL Server views and stored procedures are used to automate management tracking and customer contact. Since SQL Server is a widely-used database, numerous third-party tools that we use, like Pipedrive and Google BigQuery, easily interface with our data.

Pros

Easy to create queries to return specific, filtered data
Interfaces with many third-party tools, like Pipedrive and Google BigQuery
Provides easy mechanisms to backup and restore data
SQL Reports are easily created and customized

Cons

Better exporting of SQL Reports to multiple formats
More Tool Tips for some of the less familiar options
More backwards compatibility for older software

Likelihood to Recommend

Since [Microsoft] SQL Server is a widely-accepted and popular database format, it is well-suited for smaller and larger environments, thanks to the different SQL Server versions available. SQL Server installation and configuration is fairly straightforward, and can be installed on different hardware, depending on needs. It may be less appropriate where simple database usage is required.

John Suit

System Administrator in Information Technology at North South Supply Inc (Wholesale, 11-50 employees)

Vetted Review

25 years of experience

View profile

Microsoft SQL Server survives the test of time

Rating: 9 out of 10

Incentivized

April 13, 2021

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I have worked with Microsoft SQL Server on many projects. The most recent was as the backend of an ERP system. The nature of an ERP system involved the entire organization from the shop which would use it to get the BOM (Bill Of Material) to build the parts to QA to check the parts to Purchasing to buy the raw materials to Sales to sell the parts to Shipping to ship the parts and even HR.

Pros

When properly maintained results are returned quickly
Backups and restores can be done quickly for testing
Support for common data access methods makes coding less painful
SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio) really helps IT in database activities

Cons

Debugging stored procedures can be done better
SSMS could be integrated more efficiently
Tasks that require many steps could be either streamlined or at the very least remember the data entered for each step

Likelihood to Recommend

Microsoft SQL Server is a good database and works well in all the situations in which I have used it. Although there are things that can be challenging or unintuitive but once they are learned you quickly forget how difficult or unclear they are. To be fair, other databases exhibit the same difficulties and overall, SQL Server provides great service in any situation where a multiuser environment is required.

John P. Maher

Independent Consultant in Information Technology at Rotair Industries (Airlines/Aviation, 11-50 employees)

Vetted Review

15 years of experience

View profile

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Microsoft SQL Server review

Rating: 10 out of 10

Incentivized

June 28, 2024

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Pros

Always On failover cluster instances for high availability
Microsoft SQL Server replication for keeping synchronized copy of a database
Microsoft SQL Server maintenance plans for maintaining integrity and performance of the affected databases

Cons

Microsoft SQL Server Enterprise edition has a high cost but is the only edition which supports SQL Always On Availability Groups. It would be nice to include this feature in the Standard version.
Licensing of Microsoft SQL Server is a quite complex matter, it would be good to simplify licensing in the future. For example, per core vs per user CAL licensing, as well as complex licensing scenarios in the Cloud and on Edge locations.
It would be good to include native tools for converting Oracle, DB2, Postgresql and MySQL/MariaDB databases (schema and data) for import into Microsoft SQL Server.

Likelihood to Recommend

Verified User

Professional in Information Technology (Information Technology & Services company, 1-10 employees)

Vetted Review

10 years of experience