WellData-SQL-Server-basics-Implementing-SQL-Server

Nov 2, 2026

Uploaded by Miles

Overview of SQL Server selection and deployment, covering how version naming maps to different releases, how editions define available features and resource limits, and where SQL Server can run either on-premises or in cloud environments. Compares key editions (Express, Developer, Web, Standard, Enterprise) with typical pros, cons, and best-fit scenarios. Summarizes supported version lifecycles and end dates, then outlines upgrade considerations and tooling, including Data Migration Assistant, plus cloud hosting models such as IaaS and PaaS.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

SQL Server Basics – Implementing SQL Server

SQL Server Versions and Editions

Hosting Options: On-Premises and Cloud

Pros and Cons of Editions

SQL Server Version Support and Lifecycles

Upgrades and Data Migration Assistant

Cloud Hosting Models: IaaS and PaaS

SQL Server Basics – Implementing SQL Server There are various options available when deciding which version and edition of SQL Server to use , and how it can be hosted. The version of SQL Server is denoted in the name. For example, SQL Server 2017 and SQL Server 2019 are different versions. The edition of SQL Server dictates which features are available and what the resource limits are. The edition will come after the version name , for example SQL Server 2019 Standard Edition. With regards to hosting, this can be on-premises or cloud hosted. On-premises refers to SQL Server running on a server that the company owns. Cloud hosted refers to SQL Server running in a cloud service providers’ environment. Example of cloud service providers are Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Alibaba Cloud. On-Premises SQL Server Editions Below is a summary of some of the Pros and Cons of the different editions. This is intended as a quick guide , the links provided should be used to understand the full details and help to make a fully informed decision. | Edition Pro Con Good for | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Express | This version is free and has all the basic functionality. | This version does not have a SQL Server agent therefore you have to find a different way to run any jobs including backups. Database must be less than 10GB in size. | Starting out and learning SQL Server | | Developer | This version has all the functionality of Enterprise Edition and is free. | Can ONLY be used in a development environment. So it’s great for developing and testing but that’s it. | Developers | | Web Pro | Is cheaper than standard edition | Has limited functionality | Small online applications | | Standard | Cheaper than Enterprise(!) but still has a large amount of functionality | Not as much compute power as Enterprise, can’t do Always on Availability Groups and other key functionality. Max number of cores is 24 cores and maximum memory utilized per instance 128 GB | Small to medium sized organisations | | Enterprise | Has all available functionality | High cost | Large organisations that need all functionality and/or have very large databases and require large amount of resources for performance. | Note: details taken from 2017 factsheet [http://download.microsoft.com/download/A/7/0/A7049F57-D68B-49A2-941F-](http://download.microsoft.com/download/A/7/0/A7049F57-D68B-49A2-941F-)[ ](http://download.microsoft.com/download/A/7/0/A7049F57-D68B-49A2-941F-)[322D364342BC/SQL_Server_2017_Editions_Datasheet.pd](322D364342BC/SQL_Server_2017_Editions_Datasheet.pdf)[f](322D364342BC/SQL_Server_2017_Editions_Datasheet.pdf)) It is important to note that functionality available in the editions change between versions. For example , functionality that is available in SQL Server 2008R2 Standard Edition, may only be available in SQL Server 2012 Enterprise Edition and vice versa. For the full breakdown of the different versions please use this MSDN Link: [https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/sql-server/editions-and-components-of-sql-server-2017?view=sql-server](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/sql-server/editions-and-components-of-sql-server-2017?view=sql-server)ver15 SQL Server Versions Microsoft are always working on the next version of SQL Server. Once a version has been released Microsoft only support that version for a limited time, usually this is around 10 years. It is always recommended that you use the latest version. However, it is good to know which versions are still in support as it’s not uncommon to have to use older versions to ensure they work with applications that have been developed against that version. The versions currently being supported by Microsoft (as of Oct 2019) are: | Version Extended Support End Date | | | --- | --- | | SQL Server 2005 | No longer supported | | SQL Server 2008 | No longer supported | | SQL Server 2008 R2 | Ended 9th July 2019 | | SQL Server 2012 | Ends 12

FAQs

How do SQL Server versions and editions differ in practice?

The version in the product name denotes the release (e.g., SQL Server 2017 vs 2019). The edition determines which features are available and the resource limits, with the edition name placed after the version.

What are the main hosting options for SQL Server?

SQL Server can be hosted on-premises or in the cloud. On-premises runs on hardware owned by the company, while cloud hosted runs in a cloud provider environment such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud Platform, or Alibaba Cloud.

What should be considered when upgrading to a newer SQL Server version?

Use the latest version you can, but note that direct upgrades may require specific starting versions. Before upgrading, run the Data Migration Assistant on a test system to detect issues and resolve them before the production environment.

Nov 2, 2026

Uploaded by Miles