When Microsoft announced the actual release date for SQL 2014 many modern businesses simply looked at the latest database offering from Microsoft and saw just that: new software. Sure, it’s easy to get caught up in all the features—like enhanced BI tools, easier management through Always On, enhanced memory utilization, and the ease of scaling your on-premise SQL deployment to the Azure platform. Since it’s been ranked the most secure database platform for the last five years running, it is simple to see why so many IT Directors and CTO/CIOs are jumping ship from Oracle and shifting their platforms to SQL. There are a plethora of high-end capabilities that businesses are able to leverage from this incredible software. I, however, want to focus on something that might go unnoticed by far too many. That something is timing.
It’s only been two years since 2012 was released—just two years. Microsoft has warned us that they would shorten their product release window for server products. No longer would they simply revise titles. Instead, they’d be doing much more. The result is that SQL 2014 truly is a NEW product release with entirely NEW applications and palpable NEW features—which brings us to an important point. In the past, Microsoft has urged the purchase of SA, however many SMBs didn’t see the value. Maybe they saw this as spending extra money on software that won’t be cut off for nearly 10 years. But that thinking is no longer valid. With Microsoft’s new stance on software, SQL 2014 may be woefully outdated by the time 2024 comes around. For new purchases, this means SA will become your new best friend and keep your software updated and running smoothly for years to come.