Bob Ward: SQL Server 2025 - Episode 354

Jun 16, 2025

Bob Ward, a Principal Architect for Microsoft Azure Data, shares insights from his 31 years at Microsoft, focusing on SQL Server 2025. He discusses debunking myths around SQL Server's cloud readiness and developer-friendliness. Bob highlights new features improving developer productivity, including AI tools like GitHub Copilot, real-time analytics, and enhanced testing practices. He emphasizes the significance of community engagement and responsible AI use, all while encouraging developers to embrace modern database practices for improved reliability.

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INSIGHT

SQL Server 2025 Big Launch

SQL Server 2025 public preview is a major launch event focusing on AI and developer features.
Integration with Microsoft Fabric and AI co-pilot tools enhance the developer experience significantly.

INSIGHT

Key Features of SQL Server 2025

SQL Server 2025 brings AI integration, significant developer features, and 40 engine enhancements.
Optimized locking and TempDB resource governance improve concurrency and resource control.

INSIGHT

Vector Search Built Into SQL Server

SQL Server 2025 includes a new vector data type for embedding storage.
Developers can perform vector searches directly inside SQL Server using T-SQL, connecting to external AI models.

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Bob Ward is a Principal Architect for the Microsoft Azure Data team, which owns the development for Microsoft SQL Edge to Cloud. Bob has worked for Microsoft for 31-plus years on every version of SQL Server shipped, from OS/2 1.1 to SQL Server 2025, including Azure SQL. Bob is a well-known speaker on SQL Server, Azure SQL, AI, and Microsoft Fabric, often presenting talks on new releases, internals, and specialized topics at events such as SQLBits, Microsoft Build, Microsoft Ignite, PASS Summit, DevIntersection, and VS Live. You can also learn Azure SQL from him on the popular series https://aka.ms/azuresql4beginners. You can follow him on X at @bobwardms or linkedin.com/in/bobwardms. Bob is the author of the books Pro SQL Server on Linux, SQL Server 2019 Revealed, Azure SQL Revealed with a 2nd edition, and SQL Server 2022 Revealed available from Apress Media.

Topics of Discussion:

[1:38] Bob reflects on nearly 30 years at Microsoft, growing alongside SQL Server since 1993. [4:16] Transitioning from engineering to advocacy: why Bob now focuses on helping developers unlock the power of SQL Server. [6:12] Debunking myths about SQL Server — yes, it’s cloud-ready, developer-friendly, and supports containers and Linux. [10:15] Key tools and features for developers using SQL: containers, Bicep templates, SQLCMD, and DevOps pipelines. [16:23] SQL projects and source control: how modern database DevOps practices improve reliability and testing. [19:32] Common challenges in database development: fear of breaking production, limited test data, and cultural silos.

[22:55] Bob’s perspective on responsible database change management and the importance of a good rollback plan. [26:02] The evolution of developer tooling in SQL Server, and how Microsoft is making the CLI and APIs first-class citizens. [30:47] Advice for new developers: SQL isn’t going anywhere, and it’s easier than ever to get started. [34:00] Resources and community support: Bob highlights docs, GitHub samples, training courses, and his book.

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Bob Ward: SQL Server - Episode 321

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Azure SQL Revealed: The Next-Generation Cloud Database with AI and Microsoft Fabric

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