Database warhorse SQL Server 2025 goes all-in on AI

Better locking, improved query optimization, and... Copilot

Ignite A new version of Microsoft's database warhorse, SQL Server, is on the way, with some useful improvements squeezed between the inevitable artificial intelligence additions.

New in SQL Server 2025 will be performance and availability enhancements lifted from Azure SQL. According to a Microsoft spokesperson, there's optimized locking, optional parameter plan optimization, faster batch mode, and columnstore indexing in the release. There is also REST API support alongside Regular Expression enablement.

"Additionally, native JSON support enables developers to more effectively deal with frequently changing schema and hierarchical data, facilitating the creation of more dynamic applications," the spokesperson said.

There's support for Entra managed identities, which Microsoft says will improve credential management and compliance, and failover reliability has also been enhanced. And, of course, Copilot is in SQL Server Management Studio to "streamline SQL development by offering real-time suggestions, code completions, and best practice recommendations."

Unsurprisingly, Microsoft is going all-in with AI in this release. "SQL Server 2025 has AI built-in, simplifying AI application development and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) patterns with secure, performant, and easy-to-use vector support, leveraging the T-SQL language," the company said.

"In this latest SQL Server version, flexible AI model management within the engine using REST interfaces allows our customers to use AI models from ground to cloud."

Microsoft SQL Server is just over 35 years old – older, if one considers its Sybase origins – and the most recent release, SQL Server 2022, will remain in mainstream support until January 11, 2028. Extended support will go to January 11, 2033. The spokesperson told us that SQL Server 2025 would likely follow Microsoft's Fixed Lifecycle policy, with five years of mainstream support followed by another five years of extended support.

Assuming SQL Server 2025 makes it to general availability in 2025 – it is currently in Private Preview – this translates to support until at least 2035.

If SQL Server 2022 was all about making everything "Azure-enabled," SQL Server 2025 reflects Microsoft's obsession with AI. "SQL Server 2025 transforms SQL Server into an enterprise AI-ready database, bringing AI to customers' data in a secure, efficient manner," the spokesperson said.

"This release continues SQL Server's legacy of impressive performance and security, adding new features and AI assistance that optimizes customer data for the era of AI."

As before, the company was tight-lipped on costs, although pay-as-you-go licensing for on-premises customers is available with Azure Arc integration.

It is hard to say if this might be the last hurrah for SQL Server. Microsoft has various alternative database options these days, and hybrid and cloud-based services. But there will always be customers who want to keep their data out of the cloud and firmly on-premises.

The spokesperson was non-committal: "The SQL Server schedule is dependent on industry trends, customer feedback, and our strategic vision. We will continue to evaluate SQL Server releases according to these factors as time continues." ®