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This chapter introduces SQL Server, discusses its usage, advantages, versions, and components.

What is SQL Server?

• It is a software, developed by Microsoft, which is implemented from the specification of RDBMS.
• It is also an ORDBMS.
• Also it is platform dependent.
• It is both GUI and command based software.
• It supports SQL (SEQUEL) language which is an IBM product, non-procedural, common database and case insensitive language.

Usage of SQL Server

• To create databases.
• To maintain databases.
• Also to analyze the data through SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS).
• To generate reports through SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).
• To carry out ETL operations through SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS).

Versions of SQL Server

SQL Server Components

SQL Server works in a client-server architecture, hence it supports two types of components − (a) Workstation and (b) Server.

• Workstation components are installed in every device/SQL Server operator’s machine. These are just interfaces to interact with Server components. Example: SSMS, SSCM, Profiler, BIDS, SQLEM etc.
• Server components are installed in centralized server. These are services. Example: SQL Server, SQL Server Agent, SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, SQL browser, SQL Server full text search etc.

Instance of SQL Server

• An instance is an installation of SQL Server.
• An instance is an exact copy of the same software.
• If we install ‘n’ times, then ‘n’ instances will be created.
• There are two types of instances in SQL Server a) Default b) Named.
• Only one default instance will be supported in one Server.
• Multiple named instances will be supported in one Server.
• Default instance will take the server name as Instance name.
• Default instance service name is MSSQLSERVER.
• 16 instances will be supported in 2000 version.
• 50 instances will supported in 2005 and later versions.

Advantages of Instances

• To install different versions in one machine.
• It reduce cost.
• To maintain production, development, and test environments separately.
• Also To reduce temporary database problems.
• To separate security privileges.
• To maintain standby server.

In this guide, we will learn about introduces SQL Server. To know more click here.