MS SQL Server is a comprehensive RDBMS (Relational Database Management System). MS SQL Server developed keeping enhanced scalability in mind that ranges from small scale applications to large scale applications with millions of users. MS SQL Server’s uses query languages includes T-SQL and ANSI SQL.

Microsoft’s first release was SQL server 1.0 (16 bit) in 1989 and gradually introduced many enhanced versions with Latest version released was SQL Server 2012 SP1 on November 9, 2012. Today we are going to discuss about most widely used SQL server amongst all SQL Server versions in the market.MS SQL Server 2008, codenamed “katmai” was released on August 6, 2008 and MS SQL Server 2008 R2 version, codenamed “Kilimanjaro” was released on April 11, 2008.

Top Features of SQL Server 2008




• Data Auditing and Data Security

  
  

  SQL Server 2008 provides data auditing through ‘AUDIT’ objects, Auditing DDL commands and multiple logging targets. One of the core features ‘Data Auditing’, accompanied with Transparent Data Encryption and External Key Management provides better peace of mind and enhanced security.




• Outstanding Performance

  
  

  SQL Server 2008 consists of several unique features that provide undoubtedly superior performance. These features include Data Compression, Backup Stream Compression, Performance Data Collection, Improved Guide Support and Resource Governor.




• Maximum Availability and Reliability

  
  

  SQL Server 2008 with pluggable CRUs feature allows adding CPU whenever you need. Database Mirroring is one powerful feature that provides enhanced reliability with compression of mirror streams and auto page level repairing facility.




• Comprehensive Management Capabilities

  
  

  SQL Server 2008 provides easy and secure management through Policy Based Management – ability to manage multiple servers and objects via central set of polices, Microsoft System Center – integrated Microsoft System Center to improve operational costs and Extended Events – lightweight tracing tool gives insight to the core engine.




• New & Spatial Data Types

  
  

  SQL Server 2008 comprises innovative data types. Date Time Data Type with precision to the 100th nanosecond! HierarchyID that includes built – in functions that can support multiple complex hierarchies in data with .NET. Spatial Data Types are non-relational data types to accurately mapping Geo – location type applications.




• Storage and Data Warehousing

  
  

  SQL Server 2008 was introduced with groundbreaking Data Storage and Data Warehousing capabilities. Data Storage includes Data Compression, FILESTREAM Attribute, Integrated Full Text Search, Sparse Columns and New Index types. Data warehousing features include Star Join Support, Partial Table Parallelism, Scale – Out Analysis Services, Persistent Lookups in SSIS and Excel data mining add-ins.

  SQL Server 2008 embraces other value added features like Service Broker, Development Enhancement with Entity Data model and comprehensive reporting capability.

  Now, let’s take a look at what’s New in SQL Server 2008 R2.

  Release of MS SQL Server 2008 R2 includes several new or improved components and features with other unchanged components and features since SQL Server 2008.

New in SQL Server 2008 R2




• PowerPiviot for SharePoint & Excel

  
  
  • Infrastructure and services for querying, loading and managing PowerPivot workbooks published to SharePoint 2010 server is now possible with PowerPivot for SharePoint feature included in SQL Server 2008 R2.
  • PowerPivot for Excel is the new add-in to Excel 2010 that supports data analysis in Excel through PivotTables and visualization objects, derived from large amount of data from multiple data sources via assembled and created relationship amongst them.

 

• Multi-Server Administration and Data-Tier Application

  
  

  Performance data and management policies through a central repository formed by the SQL Server Utility are easy to manage. The SQL Server Utility Explorer for centralized management and dashboards for reporting facilitates the state of the managed instances for comprehensive multi – server administration.

  Development, deployment and management of the database objects used by an application are possible through a single unit formed by DAC (Data –Tier Application).




• Master Data Services

  
  

  Master Data Services includes a database, web application; configuration tool and web service that are used to manage organization’s master data, this allows to maintain an auditable record of that data as it keep on changing over the time. Integration of business rules and source systems with Master Data Services provides the single source of master data across an organization.




• Larger Database Support

  
  

  SQL Server 2008 R2 released with the largest DB supported by SQL Server Express that has been increased from 4GB to 10GB.




• Improved Protection While Connecting to the Database Engine

  
  

  An authentication relay attack can be prevented using service and channel binding, authentication with Reporting Services are also enhanced. Thus, SQL Server 2008 R2 provides extended protection features.

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