Aiming to launch a technically upgraded and pumped-up-with-features Server, Microsoft is inching close to make SQL Server 2012 public. With the launch of SQL server 2012 CPT’s over the years I thought of brining you the key features of it.
Well, it is hard to explain everything about SQL servers, though I found some features that were added to this member of SQL server family. Microsoft codenamed it as “Denali”, with most of the companies and organizations relying on SQL server 2005 and 2008, Microsoft has been pioneering servers over time and now SQL server 2012 is right around the corner. The only question is when will they do that? My guess is that it will be early next year; ie Q1 2012.
Here are some features that make SQL Server 2012 a “next generation” server.
1. AlwaysOn
SQL server 2012 Denali’s AlwaysOn feature helps to simplify high availability environments. AlwaysOn is essentially the name for the next evolution of database mirroring. Database mirroring is very cool but had limitations: It was limited to a single mirrored partner. Also it helps in multi-site clustering, also referred to as multi-subnet clustering.
2. Juneau
One of the major improvements to SQL server 2012 comes in the form of a new development console code-named “Juneau”. One goal for the new feature is to make the development environment consistent for both SQL Azure and on-premises SQL Server. It also brings BIDS (Business Intelligence Development Studio) and SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio) into the same IDE.
3. FileTable
FileTable redefines the blob storing to a new level. Using this you can define a complete table as a FileTable. The FileTable enables high performance/high compression that makes database more optimized and connected.
4. Columnar Index
Another major update in SQL server 2012 is the Columnar Index. This is included in SQL server 2012 to improve the query performance. It is expected that this would make a query 10X faster than earlier. This is surprising and it gives a hint that this is included in response to NoSQL, which is gaining attention for better query performance.
5. Windows Server Core support
Support for Windows Server will enable leaner and more efficient SQL Server installations, while also reducing the potential attack vector and the need for patching. It also helps in improving availability of databases by supporting multiple secondary, increase utilization using active secondary and simplify HA management. In addition, Windows Server Core support will help reduce unplanned downtime related to OS patching with ~50-60% few OS reboots.
Here is a video that tells you what developers had to say about SQL sever 2012.
SQL server 2012 “Denali” is currently available in CTP3 (CommunityTechnology Preview) version. Please visit Microsoft.com to download.
