Is There Any Difference Between SQL Server, SQL Express And SQL Azure
A database is crucial in the development of a software, which helps to store and retrieve data while working with an application. One of the most widely used databases is Microsoft SQL Server. Microsoft has released many variants of its SQL Databases that cater to the requirements of different users. However, the major question is that how will users decide which SQL environment is perfect for them? In this blog, we will outline the differences between SQL Server, SQL Express and SQL Azure. If their features can be understood distinctly, users will be able to make an informed decision about which software to opt for.
Introduction
Each software needs a database which will be best suited for it. A number of SQL supported databases are available for use. Users prefer to use Microsoft SQL database management systems because they are robust, and reliable. The most commonly used MS DBMS are SQL Server, SQL Express and SQL Azure. MS SQL Server primarily stores and retrieves data from a database. It has different versions, like Enterprise, Standard, Web, etc., that support varying workloads.
SQL Server Express, on the other hand, is a free database management system, which is a subset of SQL Server. It works well with small-scale or embedded applications.
The latest offering, SQL Azure is the cloud database for app developers. It is encrypted, scalable, and more productive. It comes with smart analytics, can recognize patterns, and adapted features for increased reliability.
Further differences between SQL Server, SQL Express, and SQL Azure are enlisted in the following section.
Comparison of SQL Server, SQL Express and SQL Azure
| Feature | SQL Server | SQL Express | SQL Azure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Difference | Microsoft RDMS (Relational Database Management System) | Subset of SQL Server for small/embedded applications | Microsoft Cloud DB service. Multiple DBs on one physical interface |
| Max DB Size | 10 GB | 4 GB | 8 TBs of storage for a month, 50 TB per paid subscription |
| Services | DB creation, update, transaction management, recovery, encryption, services | Create, Alter, Drop, Delete, Queries, Triggers, Commands on DB | Custom websites, HDInsight, VPNs, & even SQL Server (either on a VM or as a SQL Database in the cloud |
| Location | Host computer | Computer System | MS cloud datacenters |
| Domain | Desktop Applications and Websites | Smaller, embedded applications | Web and Mobile Apps |
| Max memory RAM utilized | Enterprise- OS Max 2016 Standard- 128 GB | 1 GB | 2 GB-448 GB depending on app |
| Min Memory Required | 4 GB, CPU 1GHz (32 bit), or better 64 bit | 1 GB | 96 GB, 128 GB recommended for Azure Stack Technical Preview, 1.6 GHz |
| Storage Objects | FileTables and FileStreams | DB Files, Backups | Blob, Queue, Disk, File & Table storage |
| SQL Server Agent | Schedules jobs and handles other automated tasks | Not present | No, since it is Platform as a Service (PaaS) |
| Paid Version | Yes, exists | Free | Priced differently by type, one-month free trial. Later, plans by the hour/month |
| Reporting Services | Yes | No | Yes |
| Analysis Services, OLAP and data mining tool | Yes, online analytical processing is supported. | No | Unique app patterns recognized, adaptive performance, automatic reliability improvements |
| Notification Services, data migration, Encryption | Yes | No | Notification Hub Present, Push Notifications, Good Encryption |
| SQL Profiler | Yes, to see where DB resources are going | Faster ExpressProfiler | Yes, to capture trace of DB activity |
| Cloud Based | No | No | Yes |
| Remote Access | No | No | Any time, anywhere cloud access |
| Machine Learning | No Limited parallelism | No | Possible with advanced cloud analytic |
| Multi-tenant | No | No | Yes |
| Scalability | Yes with LDF files | Yes, only through multiple interconnected DBs | Full scalability, with no app downtime |
| Instances Per Computer | 5 | 16 | 20 cores/subscription |
It can be observed that the key difference between SQL Azure and SQL Server lies within the number of databases hosted at a layer. Azure can display multiple databases using one physical layer. But, SQL Server hosts one database at a time.
Conclusion
Since database plays a key role in data driven business applications, they are big infrastructure investments. With different database management systems on offer today, choosing the best SQL environment is also a task. Therefore, we have explained the differences between SQL Server, SQL Express, and SQL Azure. If the main need of the user is to develop secure web applications, cloud-based Azure can be chosen. However, users can opt for SQL Server in applications where one database is needed. Furthermore, SQL Express is good for integration with lighter applications. With this complete analysis of the features of these three Microsoft Database Management Systems, users will be able to make an informed decision about which database is the best for them.