SQL Server 2022

SQL Server 2022 is the latest released license from Microsoft for database management. It includes improvements in scalability, performance, and security to ensure data is managed efficiently. The license is intended for small and large businesses as well as individual users. This article describes the different versions, licensing options, and past editions.

What is SQL Server 2022?

SQL Server is designed by Microsoft for on-premises implementation within an organization's IT infrastructure. SQL Server 2022 is the latest version of Microsoft’s relational database management system (RDBMS). With SQL Server 2022, businesses can store and manage their data efficiently and securely. The latest version offers advancements in security, data management, and analytics. It also features improved performance and scalability, meaning SQL Server 2022 can efficiently process massive amounts of data and execute queries faster.

SQL Server 2022 Standard vs SQL Server 2022 Enterprise

The different versions offered include various features and differ in scalability and costs.

SQL Server 2022 Standard is the simpler and more affordable version of SQL Server 2022. Its main features include:

• Up to 128 GB of memory
• Up to 24 CPU cores
• Azure Synapse Link for SQL
• Buffer Pool Parallel Scan
• Link feature for Azure SQL Managed Instance
• Backups to S3-compatible object storage

SQL Server 2022 Enterprise, the more advanced and expensive version, includes the following main features:

• Unlimited memory
• Unlimited CPU cores
• Azure Synapse Link for SQL
• Link feature for Azure SQL Managed Instance
• Built-in query intelligence: DOP, CE, and memory grant feedback
• Closed Availability Group
• AVX-512 extension for batch mode

SQL Server 2022 Express & Developer

SQL Server 2022 Express is a free version of SQL Server that functions as a relational database management system. SQL Server 2022 Express can be downloaded, used, and distributed at no cost. It is suitable for developing small and scalable applications and is particularly intended for beginner developers, students, or hobbyists.

SQL Server 2022 Developer is specially designed to help developers test, build, and optimize applications. It offers the same extensive capabilities as the Enterprise version but is exclusively intended for testing and development purposes. It cannot be used in production environments. This edition is suitable for developers of all experience levels and is also free. With SQL Server 2022 Developer, users can design and test complex applications in an environment that closely mimics a production setting.

What’s new in SQL Server 2022?

The following functionalities have been added to SQL Server 2022:

• Support for more memory
• Support for concurrency scalability
• Support for time series
• SQL Server Ledger
• Data lake virtualization
• Standard Query Store and support for replicas
• Compatibility with time series
• JSON functions
• Azure Synapse Link for SQL
• Azure extensions
• Azure policies
• New Transact-SQL features
• Integrated acceleration and offloading

SQL Server 2022: Licensing

There are two options for users to license Microsoft SQL Server 2022: per server/CAL or per core.

Per core: A license is required for every physical core in the server, with a minimum of four licenses per physical processor. Core licenses can only be purchased in packs of two. This licensing model is logical for high-capacity workloads, as it imposes no restrictions on the number of users or devices.

Per server/CAL: For every server, both a license and a Client Access License (CAL) are required. These CALs can be purchased as user CALs or device CALs. For smaller businesses, this licensing model is often the logical choice as they usually have a limited number of users or devices. However, for larger businesses, this model can result in unnecessarily high costs since each user or device accessing the SQL Server requires its own CAL.

When using the Standard edition, a company can choose between per core or per CAL licensing. The Enterprise edition can only be licensed per core.

Both 'per core' and 'per server' licenses can be acquired as Volume licenses or Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) licenses:

• Volume licenses are particularly designed for medium and large organizations requiring a large number of licenses. These allow businesses to purchase SQL Server 2022 licenses in bulk, reducing the cost per license.
• PAYG licenses are subscription and usage-based models, ideal for cloud-based environments. No upfront investment is required, and businesses only pay for what they actually use. For companies with fluctuating workloads, such as seasonal projects, PAYG may be the logical choice. Scalability can be easily adjusted up or down based on the company’s current needs.

SQL Server 2022: CALs

If a user chooses to license per server, a CAL must also be purchased. There are two types of CALs:

• User CALs: These are ideal when more devices are needed than users performing the work. Each user is assigned a CAL, which can then be used on any device. This way, a company only needs to purchase one CAL per user, rather than one CAL per device.
• Device CALs: These are ideal when multiple users share the same device, such as temporary workers or part-time employees. Each device is assigned a CAL, so all users of that device do not require individual CALs. This can save costs for the company.

SQL Server 2022: Comparisons

SQL Server 2022 is not the only RDBMS available. Businesses can also choose from MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle. Each system has unique features that make it suitable for different organizations.

MySQL is essentially free. Paid editions are also available, offering additional functionalities. In contrast, SQL Server 2022 is not free but offers more advanced features than MySQL, which has less complex functionalities. MySQL boasts high compatibility. While SQL Server integrates seamlessly with Microsoft products such as Power BI, Azure, and Excel, MySQL can be used on almost all platforms, albeit with less deep integration.

PostgreSQL is open-source and backed by a strong community that continues to develop new features, whereas SQL Server 2022 is a commercial product from Microsoft. Both PostgreSQL and SQL Server 2022 support JSON data, complex queries, and transactions. However, SQL Server 2022 includes extra features like Azure Synapse integration and machine learning, while PostgreSQL excels in extensibility and supports complex data types like hstore and arrays. PostgreSQL’s security features are robust, but compared to SQL Server 2022 Enterprise, they are slightly less advanced.

Oracle and SQL Server 2022 are both commercial licenses. Oracle is generally considered the most expensive database on the market, making SQL Server 2022 the more affordable option. Despite the price, Oracle offers highly advanced features, making it a powerful relational database. SQL Server 2022 competes with Oracle through features like Azure Synapse integration, query optimization, and robust security options. Oracle’s complexity makes SQL Server 2022 a more accessible option, while Oracle remains a strong choice for specialized users.

SQL Server 2022: Editions

The following editions of SQL Server have been released:

• SQL Server 2008
• SQL Server 2008 R2
• SQL Server 2012
• SQL Server 2014
• SQL Server 2016
• SQL Server 2017
• SQL Server 2019

SQL Server 2022: End of Life

SQL Server 2022 offers mainstream support until January 11, 2028. During this period, Microsoft will provide regular bug fixes, updates, and security patches. After this date, extended support will continue until January 11, 2033. During extended support, only critical bug fixes and security updates will be provided.