Microsoft SQL Server Reviews in June 2025: User Ratings, Pros & Cons

SQL Server for the masses

What do you like best? What I like best about SQL Server is how it has simplified supporting and working with databases from the simple queries to the larger. They have simplified it all. Including but not limited to Reporting, analyzing, supporting, disaster recovery, Maintenance and so much more. What do you dislike? There is not much to dislike about SQL Server and I don't think I have any huge negative issues glaring at me that I can think of to post at the moment. Recommendations to ...

SQL Server Management Studio

What do you like best? This application is dynamic. From a basic query writing standpoint, it's simple for those who may be beginners. With that said, it can also be extremely complex depending on experience level. I like that it encompasses simplicity with complex concepts What do you dislike? There are occasional hiccups when connecting to DB Instances that are unavoidable for the most part. I would say I think there are better ways to organize the screens to utilize screen real estate. ...

My favorite DBMS hands down

What do you like best? Being able to visually manage databases, backups, maintenance plans, and user security. What do you dislike? I wish restoring backups between different versions was possible. There are times where I want to restore a production backup on a development machine and cannot due to the versions of SQL Server being different. I know that there are difference s between the actual formats, but I wish SSMS had ways of migrating those differences during restore. ...

SQL Server for Developers

What do you like best? The integration of SQL server with our product offerings. We currently are developing in C# as well as other languages that tie in well to MS SQL. It has proven effective time and time again for our applications. What do you dislike? There tends to be a bit of proprietary constraints with the product. Recommendations to others considering the product This is a great relational database that can be utilized across most industries. It is easy to find professionals ...

Microsoft SQL - Why SQL is better

What do you like best? SQL provides more speed, security and more advanced database features in later releases... it's amazing. I love mostly the new features that 2016 brings to the table of increased database query functionality. It brings the database searches to a whole new more in depth meaning What do you dislike? What's not to like about SQL - it's so amazing! The database has come a long way - sure 2008 was a pain but SQL as a whole is a lot better than some companies storing ...

Mature and reliable database

What do you like best? Microsoft SQL Server is a mature product, most assuredly on par with Oracle and other industrial strength databases. I find it very stable, high performing, and continuing to evolve. Microsoft is clearly interested in continuing to evolve SQL Server even further. It is an extremely common and well documented database. What do you dislike? Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS seems to lag behind competing reporting products. It requires a little too much ...

One of the best Database

What do you like best? Microsoft SQL Server is fast, intuitive database management tool which we usually use to store and extract the information as per business needs. It is very powerful and robust. Automatic backups, SQL Profiler, SSD Support, all-time availability, fast migration and disaster recovery etc. are only just a handful features out of large feature list. The UI to perform daily task is pretty intuitive and user-friendly. You can easily import and export data using many ways. ...

Hands Down Best Database!

What do you like best? Ok, maybe I am a little biased because I develop on the Microsoft stack. But I have developed a lot of applications using other databases as well including: Oracle, MySQL, and Access. I was really surprised about how much Oracle was lacking as it seems to be one of the top Databases these days. I really don't see Oracle really being that far off from MySQL and MySQL is free! SQL Server is by far the best... most feature rich database in the world. I would take a free ...

A solid and much improved platform for data storage

What do you like best? Very fast and very stable. It is a feature rich data system and with updated tooling (SSMS, SSIS, discovering and remediating issues in the data storage environment is becoming easier to do which lets me focus on improving things rather than always playing catch-up. I like the disaster recovery options that I have available. I have the choice of making anything from a very basic backup to disk up to and including a robust DR strategy that can restore to any point in ...

Easy, Simple, Scale able, robust Database

What do you like best? Being as consultant and more inclined towards functional side of application, its not easy to handle the database activities. SQL server is one of the powerful database server which is easy to learn and quick to understand for a normal technical guy. Database restoration, backup, security policies, role mapping is simplest compared to other database applications available in the market. I am using SQL server since 2008 onward for Dynamics ERP and other related ...