Full List of Microsoft SQL Server versions, SQL Server Editions, SQL Features, History

You might have heard this word “SQL” in your life at least once, and many of us would be knowing it very well, but it’s a bit confusing for those who don’t have any experience in IT stream or they are non-technical person.

In this article, our primary focus will be on exploring the number of SQL versions available. but before that we will discuss some basics regarding Microsoft SQL so that it would be easy to understand. This question is more often asked in “SQL Interview” so you can read this to meet your interview purpose also.

 

Microsoft SQL Server Basics

Microsoft SQL Server stands as Microsoft's robust relational database management system (RDBMS). As a comprehensive database, SQL Server is designed to compete prominent competitors such as Oracle Database (DB) and MySQL.

SQL Server incorporates T-SQL, an exclusive SQL implementation tailored to its needs. For managing SQL Server, you can utilize SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), which functions as its interface tool. It seamlessly supports both 32-bit and 64-bit environments. Additionally, you might come across SQL Server being referred to as MSSQL or Microsoft SQL Server.

Similar to other RDBMS, Microsoft SQL Server is constructed using SQL, a standardized programming language employed by database administrators (DBAs) and other IT professionals to manage databases and execute queries.

Different Microsoft SQL Versions

There are many different versions and a few editions of Microsoft SQL Server, it’s a bit difficult to keep everything in mind. Between 1989 and 2019, Microsoft released various versions of SQL Server. The early versions were designed for departmental and workgroup applications. Microsoft expanded SQL Server's capabilities.

The journey of Microsoft SQL Server commences with its inaugural product, SQL Server 1.0, initially developed as a 16-bit server for the OS/2 operating system. Refer to the table below for a detailed overview of its history.

 

Version	Year	Release	Code name	Internal database version
1.0 (OS/2)	1989	SQL Server 1.0 (16-bit)	Filipi	–
1.1 (OS/2)	1990	SQL Server 1.1 (16-bit)	Pietro	–
4.2A (OS/2)	1992	SQL Server 4.2A	–	–
4.2B (OS/2)	1993	SQL Server 4.2B (16-bit)	–	–
4.21a (WinNT)	1993	SQL Server 4.21a	SQLNT	–
6.0	1995	SQL Server 6.0	SQL95	406
6.5	1996	SQL Server 6.5	Hydra	408
7.0	1998	SQL Server 7.0	Sphinx	515
-	1999	SQL Server 7.0 OLAP Tools	Plato	–
8.0	2000	SQL Server 2000	Shiloh	539
8.0	2003	SQL Server 2000 64-bit Edition	Liberty	539
9.0	2005	SQL Server 2005	Yukon	611/612
10.0	2008	SQL Server 2008	Katmai	655
10.25	2010	Azure SQL database (initial release)	Cloud database or CloudDB	–
10.50	2010	SQL Server 2008 R2	Kilimanjaro (aka KJ)	661
11.0	2012	SQL Server 2012	Denali	706
12.0	2014	Azure SQL database	–	–
12.0	2014	SQL Server 2014	SQL14	782
13.0	2016	SQL Server 2016	SQL16	852
14.0	2017	SQL Server 2017	Helsinki	869
15.0	2019	SQL Server 2019	Seattle	895

On June 12th 1988, Microsoft joined Ashton-Tate and Sybase to create a variant of Sybase SQL Server for IBM OS/2 (then developed jointly with Microsoft), which was released the following year.

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Microsoft SQL Server Editions

1) SQL Server 7.0

     SQL Server 7.0 was a major rewrite (C++) of the older Sybase engine, which was coded in C.

     Data pages were enlarged from 2k bytes to 8k bytes. Extents thereby grew from 16k bytes to 64k bytes.

Following SQL 7.0, the DEC Alpha platform would no longer be supported. Despite the existence of pre-release versions for SQL 2000 and Windows 2000 compiled for Alpha, they were ultimately canceled and never made available for commercial release.

2) SQL Server 2000

SQL Server 2000 included more modifications and extensions to the Sybase code base.

With the advent of SQL Server 2005, the legacy Sybase code underwent a complete rewrite, marking a significant transformation.

Since the launch of SQL Server 2000, notable strides have been achieved in terms of performance enhancements,

SQL Server 2005 comes bundled with a range of client IDE tools and additional complementary systems to enhance its functionalities. These include:

1) an extract-transform-load (ETL) tool

(SQL Server Integration Services or SSIS)

2) SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), or "Reporting Server"

an OLAP and data mining server

3) (Analysis Services)

several messaging technologies, specifically Service Broker and Notification Services

SQL Server 2000 brought forth numerous T-SQL language improvements, including the introduction of table variables, user-defined functions, indexed views, INSTEAD OF triggers, cascading referential constraints, and foundational XML support.

3) SQL Server 2005

In November 2005, SQL Server 2005 (codenamed "Yukon") was released, introducing native support for efficiently managing both relational and XML data. This version incorporated an XML data type that could serve as a data type in database columns or as literals in queries. Moreover, XML columns could be linked to XSD schemas, ensuring that the stored XML data adhered to the defined schema.

Before storing XML data in the database, SQL Server converts it into an internal binary data type. To query XML data, XQuery is utilized, and SQL Server 2005 introduced extensions to T-SQL, enabling the embedding of XQuery queries within T-SQL. Additionally, SQL Server 2005 introduced XML DML, an extension to XQuery that allows for query-based modifications to XML data. Moreover, SQL Server 2005 enables the exposure of a database server over web services using Tabular Data Stream (TDS) packets encapsulated within SOAP requests. When accessing data through web services, the results are returned as XML.

1)     SQL Server 2005 introduced "MARS"

(Multiple Active Result Sets) is a technique that enables the utilization of database connections for multiple purposes simultaneously.

2)     SQL Server 2005 introduced DMVs

Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) are specialized views and functions designed to provide valuable server state information, facilitating server instance monitoring, problem diagnosis, and performance tuning.

Additionally, SQL Server 2005 was the pioneering version to offer native support for the x64 platform. However, it's important to note that extended support for SQL Server 2005 concluded on April 12, 2016.

4) SQL Server 2008

SQL Server 2008 (previously codenamed "Katmai") was officially released on August 6, 2008, with remarkable advancements aimed at achieving data management that is self-tuning, self-organizing, and self-maintaining.

 Key features of SQL Server 2008 include:

1. Self-Tuning and Self-Organizing Capabilities

   • 1)Aims to make data management self-tuning, self-organizing, and self-maintaining.

2. Support for Structured and Semi-Structured Data

   • 1) Intrinsic awareness of multimedia data for specialized functions.
   • 2) Handling digital media formats for pictures, audio, video, and multimedia data.
   • 3) Storing multimedia data as BLOBs (binary large objects) with improved functionalities.

3. Versatility as a Data Storage Backend

   • 1) Supports various data types: XML, email, time/calendar, files, documents, spatial, etc.
   • 2) Performs search, query, analysis, sharing, and synchronization across all data types.

4. Introduction of Specialized Date and Time Types

   • 1) Includes specialized date and time types to cater to specific requirements.

5. Spatial Data Type for Location-Dependent Data

   • 1) Introduces a Spatial data type to handle location-dependent data effectively.

6. Integration of Full-Text Search Functionality

   • 1) Full-text search functionality seamlessly integrated with the database engine.

7. Improved Compression Features and Scalability

   • 1) Better compression features to improve scalability and performance.

8. Enhanced Indexing Algorithms and Filtered Indexes

   • 1) Enhanced indexing algorithms to optimize performance.
   • 2) Introduction of the notion of filtered indexes for precise control.

9. Resource Governor for Efficient Resource Allocation

   • 1) Introduction of Resource Governor to manage resource allocation efficiently.

10. Support for ADO.NET Entity Framework and Reporting Tools

11. 1) Full support for the ADO.NET Entity Framework for enhanced data management.

12. 2) Incorporation of reporting tools, replication, and data definition around the Entity.

With these powerful features, SQL Server 2008 became a significant milestone in the world of database management, offering advanced capabilities and improved efficiency for handling diverse data types and complex tasks.

5) SQL Server 2008 R2

SQL Server 2008 R2, with the version number 10.50.1600.1, was formerly referred to as "Kilimanjaro." It was announced during TechEd 2009 and subsequently released to manufacturing on April 21, 2010.

SQL Server 2008 R2 introduces several significant features, including:

1. Master Data Services (MDS):

   • 1) A master data management system facilitating centralized management of master data entities and hierarchies.
   • 2) Provides a comprehensive solution for handling crucial data and ensuring data consistency.

2. Multi Server Management:

   • 1) A centralized console empowering users to manage multiple SQL Server 2008 instances and services.
   • 2) Allows control over relational databases, Reporting Services, Analysis Services, and Integration Services.

3. New Services:

   • 1) PowerPivot for Excel and SharePoint: Enables advanced data analysis and reporting within Excel and SharePoint.
   • 2) StreamInsight: Facilitates real-time data stream processing and complex event processing.
   • 3) Report Builder 3.0: An enhanced tool for creating and customizing reports with ease.
   • 4) Reporting Services Add-in for SharePoint: Integration with SharePoint for seamless report management.
   • 
     
   • SQL Server Utility (UC): Part of AMSM (Application and Multi-Server Management) used for managing multiple SQL Servers.

With these new features and services, SQL Server 2008 R2 presents a robust and comprehensive solution for database management, data analysis, and efficient multi-server administration, catering to the evolving needs of businesses and enterprises. 

6) SQL Server 2012

During the Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS) summit on October 11, 2011, Microsoft made a significant announcement regarding the next major version of SQL Server, codenamed "Denali," which would officially be known as SQL Server 2012. On March 6, 2012, it was released to manufacturing, marking a pivotal moment in database management.

SQL Server 2012 introduced a wide array of new features and enhancements, including:

1. Always On SQL Server Failover Cluster Instances and Availability Groups are two essential features offered by SQL Server.:

2. Contained Databases:

   • Simplifies the process of moving databases between instances, streamlining database management.

3. New and Modified Dynamic Management Views and Functions:

   • Empowers users with improved insights into server performance and diagnostics.

4. Programmability Enhancements:

   • Introduces new spatial features, metadata discovery, sequence objects, and the THROW statement, enriching the database development experience.

5. Performance Enhancements:

   • Introduces ColumnStore Indexes for improved data compression and query performance.
   • Enhancements to OnLine and partition-level operations lead to smoother database operations.

6. Security Enhancements:

   • Improves provisioning during setup for added security.
   • Introduces new permissions, enhanced role management, and default schema assignment for groups, bolstering data security measures.

With these comprehensive features and enhancements, SQL Server 2012 solidified its position as a powerful and efficient database management system, catering to the diverse needs of businesses and enterprises.

7) SQL Server 2014

On March 18, 2014, SQL Server 2014 was released to manufacturing, and it became available to the general public on April 1, 2014.

SQL Server 2014 introduced a groundbreaking feature known as "Hekaton," offering a new in-memory capability for tables that can be entirely stored in memory. Unlike previous versions where small tables could reside partially in memory and partially on disk, SQL Server 2014 allows tables that fit entirely in memory to take advantage of this feature. This implementation eliminates the need for various operations, such as reserving RAM, writing evicted pages to disk, loading new pages from disk, and locking pages in RAM during operations, resulting in significant performance enhancements. By leveraging Hekaton, SQL Server 2014 delivers remarkable speed and efficiency, making it a valuable asset for data-intensive applications and scenarios that demand real-time processing capabilities. 

8) SQL Server 2016

SQL Server 2016 was officially made generally available on June 1, 2016.

Notably, SQL Server 2016 is exclusively supported on x64 processors, and it is no longer compatible with x86 processors.

9) SQL Server 2017

On October 2nd, 2017, Microsoft introduced SQL Server 2017, which also marked the notable inclusion of support for Linux.

 

10) SQL Server 2019

On November 4th, 2019, Microsoft released SQL Server 2019, which brought several significant advancements. The introduction of Big Data Clusters for SQL Server (15.x) was a highlight, offering powerful capabilities for handling large-scale data. Additionally, SQL Server 2019 brought various enhancements and improvements to key components like the SQL Server database engine, SQL Server Analysis Services, SQL Server Machine Learning Services, SQL Server on Linux, and SQL Server Master Data Services. These improvements further solidified SQL Server's position as a versatile and powerful database management system capable of handling diverse data scenarios.

Conclusion:

 

In conclusion, the journey through the fascinating world of Microsoft SQL Server has revealed an evolution of database management excellence. From its humble beginnings with SQL Server 1.0 to the groundbreaking features introduced in SQL Server 2019, each version has contributed to the database landscape's growth and efficiency.

Exploring the comprehensive list of Microsoft SQL Server versions, editions, features, and its rich history has provided valuable insights into this powerful relational database management system. The advancements in SQL Server's capabilities, from T-SQL language enhancements to native support for XML and in-memory tables, have revolutionized data management and query performance.

With the introduction of Big Data Clusters in SQL Server 2019 and support for Linux, Microsoft continues to stay at the forefront of innovation, catering to the ever-evolving needs of businesses and enterprises.

As you embark on your data-driven endeavors, harnessing the potential of SQL Server and its myriad features will empower you to make informed decisions, streamline operations, and achieve remarkable efficiency in managing your databases.

So, embrace the power of SQL Server, and let your data thrive with the support of this versatile and robust database management system. Whether you are an IT professional, business owner, or tech enthusiast, the journey through SQL Server's versions and capabilities will undoubtedly fuel your passion for mastering the art of data management in the digital era.

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