Microsoft Unveils SQL Server 2022 with Enhanced Cloud Capabilities

Microsoft has officially released its highly-anticipated SQL Server 2022, which offers numerous improvements and new features. According to Asad Khan, Vice President of SQL Products and Services at Microsoft, the primary goal is not to induce organizations to move to Azure but rather to give everyone access to cloud innovations without migration.

The new release focuses on integrating with various Azure services, including Azure SQL Managed Instance, Azure Synapse Analytics, Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Defender for SQL, and Azure Active Directory. These integrations aim to provide a seamless experience for users regardless of whether they are running their SQL Server instances in the cloud or on-premises.

One notable feature is the immutable, tamper-evident SQL Ledger, which supports scenarios promised by blockchain technology but rarely delivered. This ledger allows users to create cryptographically hashed, audited tables that make it obvious if someone attempts to tamper with data.