SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) created by Microsoft. It has applications for performing a range of tasks in business intelligence, transaction processing, and analytics application. SQL server was built on SQL, which is a standard programming language used to communicate with relational databases, SQL. If you are unsure whether learning SQL Server is right for you, consider reading on to learn more about the myriad uses of SQL Server tools and techniques. Not only will learning SQL Server open up a number of new career opportunities, but it also has many potential personal uses.

What is SQL Server?

SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) created by Microsoft. The data it contains is stored in tables similar to the columns and rows in a spreadsheet. Like other RDBMS software, SQL server is built on top of structured query language (SQL), the programming language most commonly used to communicate with relational databases. This database server’s primary function is storing and retrieving data that other software applications request. This data may run on the same computer or be stored on a computer across a network.

Read more about what SQL Server is and why you should learn it.

Professional Uses for SQL Server

SQL Server has a range of professional applications for those who regularly work with relational databases. Database Developers, BI Developers, Data Analysts, and BI Administrators all use this system to access and extract data, as well as to create and maintain databases. The following sections will take a closer look at some of the main ways SQL Server aids these professionals.

Process Huge Volumes of Data

SQL Server is an effective tool for handling large data volumes, either with memory or on disk. This RDBMS has an in-memory OLTP, which improves the performance of data load and ingestion, as well as transaction processing and transient data scenarios. This built-in optimization engine helps SQL Server users quickly and efficiently load and process vast stores of data.

Find Important Business Insights within the Data

SQL Server has a range of uses to help data professionals locate valuable insights in vast datasets. This system allows users to transform complex data into data models, which are much easier for audience members to understand and analyze. Modern reporting features allow SQL Server users to create interactive Microsoft Power BI reports or KPIs via a modern web portal. They can also create enterprise-ready analytics solutions so insights can be conveyed using data visualization tools like Excel. This allows SQL Server users to work with a single version of the truth when they work with different tabular models or data sources.

Handle Encrypted Data

Another benefit of working with SQL Server is its encryption mechanisms. SQL Servers have access to support for SSL certificates, which are digital certificates used to authenticate the identity of a website and provide an encrypted connection. These certificates can also create encrypted links between web browsers and web servers. SQL Server also offers support for encrypting data at rest, backup encryption, and client-side data-at-rest encryption.

Create Reports

SQL Server users can create engaging reports using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). This feature includes several services and tools that are housed on-premises and can be used to create, manage, and deploy paginated reports. SSRS ensures that the necessary information is delivered to the right users. Users can access reports using email and through the web browser on their computer or mobile device. SSRS provides users with a range of new features and tools for designing modern-looking reports with a responsive layout. Using the modern web portal, SQL Server users can organize and display both KPIs and reports, as well as store Excel workbooks. 

Apply Machine Learning Algorithms

Following the 2017 release of SQL Server, all subsequent versions support various machine learning tasks. SQL Server’s Machine Learning Services feature provides users with a way to run R or Python scripts with relational data. Those who wish to perform predictive analytics or machine learning can do so with open-source frameworks and packages. Scripts can be executed from within the database and don’t require transferring data over the network or outside SQL Server. 

If you’d like to find out more about machine learning, Noble Desktop’s Learn Hub provides several helpful articles on this topic.

Other Uses for SQL Server

In addition to assisting data professionals with various uses, SQL Server also has applications that extend outside of the work context. Learning SQL Server can help individuals sell items online, control inventory when working at volunteer positions such as in a food bank, and even organize recipes for personal use.

E-Commerce

The field of e-commerce is experiencing rapid growth around the globe. Online retail application databases commonly incorporate SQL Server to help customers perform various tasks, such as registering or purchasing items over the internet. To do so, the customer is given a unique ID and password. After they buy a product, the customer is sent a bill that reflects how many of a specific product they purchased, the price, and any available discounts. Customers then use the online retail application database to select a payment method to ship the item or items.

Inventory Control

SQL Server is an effective tool for managing all sorts of inventory, whether in a work setting or a volunteer position. One application of SQL Server is for those who work in a food pantry. This service can help those who volunteer keep an up-to-date record of what foods are in stock, as well as those that are running low or may be available in surplus, to ensure supply keeps up with demand. Inventory control management using SQL Server can provide a clear picture of what foods are most popular, which are less likely to be selected, and how often stores must be replenished.

Recipe Storage

For cooking enthusiasts, SQL databases can help you keep track of your recipes. With the help of SQL Server, you can create a web portal to display any recipes you have saved under different categories. You can select parameters that allow you to access recipes that were recently viewed or those with high ratings. You can also provide other cooks with access to your recipe store so they can rate recipes or leave comments. Password protection allows you to edit or delete recipes as needed.

Learn SQL Server Skills with Noble Desktop

If you’re new to SQL Server and want to learn the basics, Noble Desktop’s in-person and live online SQL Server Bootcamp is for you. Participants receive expert instruction about using SQL Server to locate information in databases using SQL queries, as well as joining tables, aggregating data, and filtering results. 

Noble’s in-person or live online SQL Bootcamp prepares participants to work with the free DBeaver app for exploring databases and executing queries. Noble also offers the Data Science Certificate and Data Analytics Certificate, in which PostgreSQL training is provided. The content in this course can be applied to SQL Server.

Key Takeaways

• SQL Server is an RDBMS that was created by Microsoft to compete with Oracle and MySQL databases. 
• Professionals like Data Analysts, BI Developers, and Database Developers work with SQL Server for many tasks, such as processing large volumes of data, locating important business insights within datasets, handling encrypted data, and creating engaging reports.
• In addition to its range of professional uses, SQL Server also can help users perform data-related in a non-work setting. It can help you control product inventory, store recipes, or sell items using e-commerce.
• If you’re interested in learning to work with SQL Server, Noble Desktop can help. Noble offers in-person and live online SQL Server training to help you learn how to work with this relational database management system.