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Compare Google Cloud Spanner and Microsoft SQL Server 
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At a Glance
Market Segments
Enterprise (43.3% of reviews)
Enterprise (45.6% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
No pricing available
Google Cloud Spanner
Star Rating
(35)4.2 out of 5
Market Segments
Enterprise (43.3% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Google Cloud SpannerMicrosoft SQL Server
Star Rating
(2,252)4.4 out of 5
Market Segments
Enterprise (45.6% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Microsoft SQL ServerSummary
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
- Users report that Microsoft SQL Server excels in its Query Language with a score of 9.2, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize complex querying capabilities. In contrast, Google Cloud Spanner, while still strong at 8.9, does not match the depth of SQL Server's querying features.
- Reviewers mention that Microsoft SQL Server's Data Migration process is rated highly at 9.0, indicating a smoother transition for users moving from other systems. Google Cloud Spanner, however, does not provide the same level of ease, which can be a significant drawback for organizations looking to migrate.
- G2 users highlight that Google Cloud Spanner shines in Scalability with a score of 9.2, making it ideal for businesses expecting rapid growth. Microsoft SQL Server, while still respectable at 8.8, may not handle large-scale operations as efficiently as Spanner.
- Users on G2 report that Microsoft SQL Server offers superior Backup and Recovery options, scoring 9.0, which is crucial for businesses that prioritize data safety. Google Cloud Spanner, with a lower score of 7.8, may not provide the same level of assurance in data recovery scenarios.
- Reviewers mention that Microsoft SQL Server's Ease of Use is rated at 8.6, making it more user-friendly for teams with varying technical expertise. Google Cloud Spanner, at 8.0, may present a steeper learning curve for new users.
- Users say that Google Cloud Spanner's Data Encryption capabilities are impressive, scoring 9.4, which is a significant advantage for organizations focused on security. Microsoft SQL Server, while also strong at 8.8, does not quite match the encryption features offered by Spanner.
Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
Google Cloud Spanner
No pricing availableMicrosoft SQL Server
No pricing availableFree Trial
Google Cloud Spanner
No trial information availableMicrosoft SQL Server
No trial information availableRatings
Meets Requirements
8.7
24
9.0
1,847
Ease of Use
7.8
24
8.6
1,863
Ease of Setup
8.2
10
8.1
984
Ease of Admin
8.7
9
8.3
945
Quality of Support
8.6
20
8.3
1,641
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
8.3
10
8.4
895
Product Direction (% positive)
8.4
22
8.4
1,818
Features by Category
Management
Not enough data
8.9
150
Not enough data
8.9
150
Not enough data
9.2
155
Not enough data
8.9
150
Not enough data
8.9
152
Maintenance
Not enough data
8.9
150
Not enough data
9.0
155
Not enough data
9.0
151
Security
Not enough data
8.9
149
Not enough data
9.1
151
Management
8.1
6
9.1
147
8.9
6
9.2
148
9.2
6
8.8
134
9.2
6
8.9
140
Support
8.7
5
8.6
143
8.3
6
9.1
147
Not enough data
8.7
142
8.6
6
8.5
146
Security
8.7
5
8.9
146
8.7
5
9.1
146
9.4
6
8.9
143
9.2
6
9.0
146
Performance
7.8
6
8.8
142
9.2
6
8.9
139
8.9
6
8.8
145
7.5
6
8.7
143
8.7
5
8.9
144
Database Features
9.5
13
8.9
1282
8.6
13
9.0
1287
9.0
13
8.9
1294
9.2
13
8.7
1261
8.9
12
8.8
1263
8.3
13
8.8
1269
8.6
13
9.1
1289
Configuration
8.2
10
Not enough data
7.6
9
Not enough data
7.3
10
Not enough data
8.1
8
Not enough data
8.1
8
Not enough data
Database Administration
8.2
10
Not enough data
6.3
10
Not enough data
7.0
10
Not enough data
Availability
8.8
10
Not enough data
6.7
9
Not enough data
7.0
10
Not enough data
8.1
9
Not enough data
Security
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Data Management
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Database
Not enough data
8.6
55
Not enough data
8.8
56
Not enough data
8.4
53
Integrations
Not enough data
7.8
44
Not enough data
8.3
44
Platform
Not enough data
8.3
49
Not enough data
8.6
52
Not enough data
8.3
44
Processing
Not enough data
8.6
51
Not enough data
8.5
54
Building Reports
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Platform
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
Google Cloud Spanner and Microsoft SQL Server are categorized as Relational Databases
Unique Categories
Google Cloud Spanner is categorized as Database as a Service (DBaaS)
Microsoft SQL Server is categorized as Database Management Systems (DBMS), Big Data Processing and Distribution, and On-Premise Data Integration
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
Google Cloud Spanner
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Microsoft SQL Server
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Small-Business
(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market
(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise
(> 1000 emp.)
Reviewers' Industry
Information Technology and Services
20.0%
Computer Software
16.7%
Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
6.7%
Biotechnology
6.7%
Sports
3.3%
Other
46.7%
Information Technology and Services
24.2%
Computer Software
13.7%
Hospital & Health Care
5.4%
Financial Services
4.3%
Higher Education
2.9%
Other
49.6%
Alternatives
Discussions
Google Cloud Spanner has no discussions with answers
What is the best way to save your queries?
4 Comments
CA
I recommend that you use the saved querys in plain text or .sql or txt format you can use the same sql server query creator or a notepad +++ tool, they are...Read more
How could I make much easier the experience with the order of my database?
4 Comments
AF
You can create different tables with your employee information eg employee table, employee roles etc. Then you can create a single view that will pull data...Read more
How can I work on the same query if the connection is lost (timeout) and then I reconnect?
4 Comments
JE
When this happens to me in SQL Server Management Studio, I just have to type USE {your database name here} and then select only that statement and execute...Read more
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