Microsoft has announced SQL Server 2025, now available in private preview, marking a significant advancement in database technology by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities directly into the platform.
AI Integration
SQL Server 2025 introduces built-in AI features, simplifying the development of AI applications and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) patterns. It offers secure, performant, and user-friendly vector support through familiar T-SQL syntax, enabling the combination of vectors with traditional SQL data for hybrid AI vector searches.
The platform includes a native vector store and indexing powered by DiskANN, a technology that utilizes disk storage to efficiently identify similar data points within extensive datasets. This facilitates semantic searching and accurate data retrieval. Additionally, flexible AI model management within the SQL engine via Representational State Transfer (REST) interfaces allows the use of AI models across various environments.
Developer Productivity Enhancements
To boost developer productivity, SQL Server 2025 incorporates features such as REST API support, GraphQL integration through Data API Builder, and regular expression enablement. Native JSON support is also included, allowing developers to handle dynamic schemas and hierarchical data more effectively, facilitating the creation of more adaptable applications.
Security and Performance Improvements
Maintaining its reputation for security and performance, SQL Server 2025 introduces support for Microsoft Entra managed identities, enhancing credential management and reducing potential vulnerabilities. The platform also includes outbound authentication support for Managed Service Identity (MSI) enabled by Azure Arc. Performance and availability enhancements, extensively tested on Microsoft Azure SQL, are incorporated to boost workload performance and streamline troubleshooting with improved query optimization and execution.
Integration with Microsoft Fabric and Azure Arc
SQL Server 2025 offers seamless integration with Microsoft Fabric and Azure Arc, supporting hybrid environments across clouds, on-premises datacenters, and edge deployments. This integration allows customers to leverage Microsoft Azure innovations within their databases, facilitating the development of modern, AI-driven applications.
Availability
While a specific release date has not been announced, SQL Server 2025 is currently in private preview. Interested organizations can apply for the preview to explore the new features and capabilities of this AI-ready database platform.
For a more in-depth understanding of SQL Server 2025 and its features, you can watch the following presentation:
Sign up for the preview today
Microsoft is currently onboarding customers and partners to SQL Server 2025 preview, in advance of general availability in the coming year.
Register today to apply for the SQL Server 2025 Community Technology Preview (CTP)1 and stay informed about SQL Server 2025 updates.
Refences:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sql-server/blog/2024/11/19/announcing-microsoft-sql-server-2025-apply-for-the-preview-for-the-enterprise-ai-ready-database/
This article is partly written using AI.