Microsoft launches SQL Server 2014, emphasizes importance of a data culture

During an event in San Francisco today, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced the launch of SQL Server 2014, a public preview of the Microsoft Azure Intelligent Systems Service, and the general availability of the Analytics Platform System (APS). Microsoft stressed the importance of a data culture during the event, a culture that encourages curiosity, action, and experimentation.

“The era of ambient intelligence has begun, and we are delivering a platform that allows companies of any size to create a data culture and ensure insights reach every individual in every organization,” Nadella said during the event. Microsoft’s data platform includes new “Internet of Things” capabilities and provides the necessary building blocks to connect, refine, and analyze data. Here are the products announced during the event:

• Launch of SQL Server 2014. The latest version of the world’s most widely deployed database delivers real-time performance with built-in in-memory technology and public cloud scale and disaster recovery with Microsoft Azure.
• Limited public preview of the Microsoft Azure Intelligent Systems Service. This new Azure service helps customers embrace the Internet of Things and securely connect to, manage and capture machine-generated data from sensors and devices, regardless of operating system.
• General availability of the Analytics Platform System (APS). APS combines the best of Microsoft’s SQL Server database and Hadoop technology in one low-cost offering that delivers “big data in a box.”

SQL Server 2014 brings in-memory capabilities across all data workloads, offering breakthrough performance for applications in throughput and latency. In-memory technology allows for the manipulation of millions of records at the speed of thought, as well as the ability to scale analytics solutions to billions of records in SQL Server Analysis Services.

You can check out a list of the new features in SQL Server 2014 here.