TechEd 2013: SQL Server 2014's Big Data and Memory Focus
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Microsoft announced a major new version of its flagship database, SQL Server, that aims to extend support for big data and the in-memory processing capability added to the current version. It was one of a slew of new wares Microsoft launched at its annual TechEd conference, which kicked off this morning in New Orleans.
SQL Server 2014 is the official name for Microsoft's relational database management system, which will take advantage of Windows Azure with hybrid cloud scenarios. It contains built-in Hekaton technology that converts tables so they run in memory. Other improvements in SQL Server 2014 include improved backup and availability, according to Quentin Clark, a Microsoft VP, on stage during the keynote presentation.
Improved in-memory processing capabilities will support online transactions in near real-time, Clark said. An early tester of the forthcoming SQL Server 2014 is Edgenet, which is a software-as-a service (SaaS) provider of inventory management for retailers, Clark said. Retailers often update their inventory management systems using batch processes, meaning if a customer wants to know if an item is in stock, it may or may not be up to date.
Using the in-memory capabilities to process transactions, they can refresh that data in near real-time, Clark explained. "We're doing it because it's a way to achieve unprecedented latency and scale, low-latency and high scale and throughput for transactional data," he said.
SQL Server 2014 preview is slated for release later this month, according to Microsoft's SQL Server Blog. Microsoft indicated it will ship shortly after the newly launched Windows Server 2012 R2 and System Center 2012 R2, both due out by year's end. That would imply SQL Server 2014 will likely arrive early next year.
Posted by Jeffrey Schwartz on 06/03/2013 at 1:15 PM