SQL Server 2025
Key New Features and Their Uses
- AI & Vector Capabilities
- Vector Data Type & Search
SQL Server now supports a native VECTOR data type that stores embeddings efficiently. You can perform similarity searches inside the database using vector indexes (DiskANN), making tasks like recommendation systems and semantic searches much faster and easier.
- AI Model Integration
You can register and use AI models (e.g. ONNX, Azure, OpenAI) directly from T‑SQL. This means you can run machine learning logic—like generating embeddings or running inference—inside the database without external tools.
- Real-Time Change Event Streaming
- Change Event Streaming (CES)
SQL Server can now publish data changes (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) in real time to Azure Event Hubs. This is perfect for real-time analytics or building event-driven systems.
- Enhanced Text Processing
- Regex Support on Large Text
Functions like REGEXP_REPLACE, REGEXP_SUBSTR, and REGEXP_LIKE now work directly on large text types (varchar(max), nvarchar(max)), enabling better text searching and validation.
- Jaro-Winkler Similarity
New functions JARO_WINKLER_DISTANCE (returns float) and JARO_WINKLER_SIMILARITY (returns integer) help compare how similar two strings are—handy for fuzzy matching.
- Security & Encryption
- TLS 1.3 and TDS 8.0
Stronger, modern encryption (TLS 1.3) is enforced for SQL Agent, linked servers, replication, Always On groups, and more. This keeps data communications securely protected.
- Cloud & Hybrid Integration
- PolyBase with Managed Identity
PolyBase can now use Azure managed identities for secure, password-free access to Azure Blob or Data Lake.
- Fabric Mirroring
Sync your SQL data with Microsoft Fabric (Power BI, Synapse, etc.) in near real-time. No ETL needed—your operational data is analytics-ready instantly.
- Developer Tools & Productivity
- Copilot in SSMS
SQL Server Management Studio now includes GitHub Copilot, offering natural language suggestions and code help directly in your editor.
- sp_invoke_external_rest_endpoint
You can call REST or GraphQL APIs directly from T‑SQL. Now your database can fetch or send data to web services without separate middleware.
- Performance & Query Processing
- CE Feedback & Optimizations
The engine uses feedback to improve performance over time—better query plans, faster dynamic SQL execution, and reduced compilation issues.
- Linux & OS Compatibility
- Support for Ubuntu 24.04 & TLS 1.3 on Linux
SQL Server now runs on newer Linux systems and uses modern encryption natively.
Summary Table
| Feature Area | What’s New | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| AI & Vector Search | Vector type, indexing, in-database AI | Fast semantic search, embedding, model inference internally |
| Real-Time Streaming | Change Event Streaming (CES) | Build live analytics and system workflows without ETL |
| Text & Similarity | Regex on large text, Jaro-Winkler | Stronger string processing and fuzzy matching |
| Security | TLS 1.3 across services | Enhanced encryption and data safety |
| Cloud & Hybrid | Fabric Mirroring, PolyBase managed identity | Easier real-time analytics and access to Azure storage |
| Dev Tools | Copilot, REST calls in T-SQL | Higher productivity, API integration inside SQL |
| Performance | CE feedback, better dynamic query handling | Smarter execution over time and fewer slowdowns |
| Linux Support | Ubuntu 24.04, TLS 1.3 for Linux | More secure and modern support for Linux environments |