Learn SQL Server with Free Lessons & Tips

Drawing Clearer Distinctions With An Azure And Microsoft SQL Server. As a cloud-based relational database service, Microsoft SQL in Azure offers many of the same features as SQL Server. However, Azure SQL includes extra cost-saving features, such as scaling on demand and paying only for what you use.

SQL Server Express is a full database engine, containing much of the same functions and features as SQL Server Standard.  It also includes the SQL Server Management Studio for more advanced management and configuration of the database.

• In-Memory OLTP.
• Enhanced In-Memory ColumnStore for DW.
• Buffer Pool Extension to SSDs.
• Enhanced Query Processing.
• Resource Governor adds IO governance.
• SysPrep at cluster level.
• Predictable performance with tiering of compute, network, and storage with Windows Server 2012 R2.

Choosing appropriate data types, avoiding nulls & needless clauses, strategically using indexes, minimizing cursors and temp tables, and developing efficient stored procedures are all key approaches. By following these guidelines, you may ensure that your database performs optimally for your applications.