Introduction to SQL Server
MS SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. This product is built for the basic function of storing retrieving data as required by other applications. It can be run either on the same computer or on another across a network.
Usage of SQL Server
- To create databases.
- To maintain databases.
- To analyze the data through SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS).
- To generate reports through SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).
- To carry out ETL operations through SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS).
Versions of SQL Server
SQL Server Editions
SQL Server comes in following editions:
- Enterprise
- Standard
- Business Intelligence
- Developer
- Web
- Express or with tools
SQL Server Components
SQL Server works in client-server architecture, hence it supports two types of components − (a) Workstation and (b) Server.Workstation components are installed in every device/SQL Server operator’s machine. These are just interfaces to interact with Server components. Example: SSMS, SSCM, Profiler, BIDS, SQLEM etc.
Server components are installed in centralized server. These are services. Example: SQL Server, SQL Server Agent, SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, SQL browser, SQL Server full text search etc.