RIYADH — Microsoft Arabia has launched the new version SQL server 2019, during "SQL server 2019 Saudi Arabia Launch" event, which was hosted here Wednesday evening. The event was attended by Microsoft Arabia’s chief operating officer, Rayan Zahid and a number of experts and tech executives.

“The new version of SQL server 2019 provides one of the most efficient databases in the market by investing in key capabilities such as "intelligent query processing", and is one of the most secure databases in the world” said Microsoft Arabia President Eng. Thamer Al Harbi, adding that it works to upgrade security level through (Always Encrypted), to protect most sensitive data while allowing robust operations to be executed without losing the encryption, which protects data during storage and use.

SQL server 2019 provides companies with advanced analyses of all data types, both structured and unstructured, by combining large data clusters with enhanced data virtualization. The new version creates a unified data platform with Apache SparkTM and Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) packaged together with SQL Server as a single, integrated solution.

Such additions allow organizations not only to widely store and query large data, but also to combine it with structured data in any database such as SQL Server, Oracle, MongoDB, PostgreSQL and others, in addition to built-in AI capabilities to enable comprehensive analytics and AI solutions for all data.

Al Harbi noted that SQL server 2019 features innovative security, high performance, advanced data analytics and stunning scalability, with full support for big data implications. You can create modern applications with innovative features using the language and platform you select.

Power BI Report Server allows users to access the rich and interactive Power BI reports, and enterprise reporting capabilities in SQL Server reporting services. It also features a database with the lowest security vulnerabilities over the past nine years (2010-2019) according to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), affiliated to of US Department of Commerce, one of the oldest physical sciences laboratory in US.

“The biggest of enterprises across all industry verticals in Saudi Arabia are embarking on deep innovation and transformation using data, analytics and AI. The Kingdom is well on its way to be a data driven nation in its journey towards achieving its ambitious Vision 2030 by undergoing massive makeover on all social, economic and digital fronts” said Microsoft Arabia Data & AI Solutions Evangelist, Shakeel Mohammed.

According to Shakeel, the new release of SQL Server 2019 is a revolutionary and game changing in the Data & AI space and will help to drive digital metamorphosis of Saudi Arabia. It provides industry leading performance and intelligence over all your data, structured and unstructured.

SQL Server 2019 has evolved in an unprecedented way from a traditional database to an industry leading data platform built to take on any data project, from OLTP, Data Warehousing and BI, to AI and advanced analytics over Big Data. It can now be the hub for your entire data estate, with the ability to query any database relational in a highly secure and highly performant way — all without moving or copying the data!

SQL Server provides a hybrid platform, with consistent SQL Server space area from data center to public cloud — making it easy to run in the location you choose, as SQL Server 2019 big data clusters are deployed on Kubernetes with built-in management service.

Al Harbi stated that, hybrid cloud system will help Saudi companies to grow and drive them to innovation. According to Nutanix Enterprise Cloud, 91% of global organizations believe that hybrid cloud is “the ideal IT model,” while 43% of EMEA organizations plan to use them during next two years.

“When deploying from the hybrid cloud, businesses have more control over their IT, improving reliability of their services. This would make hybrid cloud a particularly attractive option for businesses operating in the Middle East and North Africa, which is one of the most under-represented areas in the world when it comes to per capita Internet connectivity.” Al Harbi explained.

He pointed out that as businesses set out on their hybrid cloud journeys, it is important they begin with specific business objectives in mind, considering company needs and priorities. This will help them determine which workloads should be shifted to the cloud. Achieving the right balance between public and private cloud usage involves several different considerations.

Saleh AlZaid, Intelligent Cloud Business Group Lead in Microsoft Arabia, said that as the cloud landscape continues to evolve, we continue to see high growth in cloud and hybrid services. We have a new Azure Migration Program which offers prescriptive guidance and online resources to simplify and accelerate migrations for customers.

Moreover, AlZaid added that working hand in hand with field and engineering resources, partners can leverage Azure Migration Program to accelerate migrations toward high value modernization opportunities, get new leads for their business and faster access to additional guidance or funds. One of the key moments ahead we see for migrations is the end of support for SQL Server 2008. — SG