5 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade To SQL Server 2014

In the world of server management, there are only two constant occurrences: the releases of newer server versions or software upgrades for your current server, and the fact that every new release will be met with consternation from IT managers and system/computer engineers who have to make the decision of whether to upgrade to the newer version or stick with the tried and tested server already been used.

These decisions which have tailed CIOs, VPs, engineers and IT managers since Microsoft released the-then new-SQL Server 2005 which was an upgrade to the SQL Server 2000, has reared its head once again due to the release of the SQL Server 2014 in April. Therefore, to simplify the difficult task that comes with making that decision, here are 5 reasons why you should at least consider upgrading whatever SQL version you use to Microsoft's new offering.

The Top Reasons

Before going into the details of why your servers need this upgrade, it is important to note that after the Microsoft Office package and the Window's server, the SQL Server is the next most profitable software package in Microsoft's arsenal which means that the development team takes the SQL server seriously and focuses a large percent of its creative resources in developing quality upgrades. That been said, here are the five;

1. Performance and Scale Enhancements: the SQL Server 2014 comes with a totally revamped architecture that enhances its overall performance which is made possible by the 'Hekaton'-In memory OLT-built to eliminate the use of locks and latches for controlling concurrency in relational databases.

2. New Cardinality Estimator: for those who don't know, the Cardinality Estimator, which is one of the most important components used in query optimization, has been running on a code base since the inception of the SQL Server 2005 and has received no major changes since then. But the SQL Server 2014 changes this similarity with an enhanced cardinality estimator which drastically improves its query optimization when compared to that of older versions.

3. Enhanced Business Insights Using Similar Tools: the SQL Server 2014 does not deviate too far from the norm when it comes to reading your business data the server shoots up or produces, for it makes use of Office 365-which has been around since the SQL Server 2008 R2 and 2012 version-but additional analytical tools have been added to this version. The new tools include; Power Map, Power view and Power Query. These tools increases the analytical abilities of an IT manager in understanding and interpreting information provided by the server.

4. Enhance Hybrid Cloud Based Solutions: the SQL Server works seamlessly with Windows Azure VMS and the Azure SQL database which simplifies the task of moving your apps and data management processes to the cloud without any hitches. This feature coupled with other disaster recovery features-Availability Groups for HA, encrypted cloud back-ups etc.-makes data storage and disaster mitigation as simple as possible while enhancing data security.

5. Easy Access to Both Big Data and Small Data: regardless of the data your server produces, the SQL Server 2014 is equipped to function or work simultaneously with other data management tools from analytical giants-Hadoop, HortonWorks etc.-to simplify data analysis. Microsoft partnered with power houses such as HortonWorks to develop its own in-built Bigdata processing system, the HDInsight, for the Azure.

It is also important to note that in the long run, purchasing the SQL Server package will prove to be a better business choice than simply upgrading certain software applications and tools every other business day in other to stay relevant in the ever changing game of database management.