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# Microsoft SQL Server vs SAP HANA Cloud Comparison - What are their main differences?

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MS SQLSAP HANA Cloud[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**Microsoft SQL Server**
No pricing available

**SAP HANA Cloud**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Microsoft SQL Server**
3 monthsFaster

Based on 39 responses

**SAP HANA Cloud**
6 months

Based on 11 responses

Return on Investment

**Microsoft SQL Server**
17 months5 months sooner

Based on 30 responses

**SAP HANA Cloud**
22 months

Based on 8 responses

Perceived Cost

**Microsoft SQL Server**
$$$$$

**SAP HANA Cloud**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Microsoft SQL Server**
14%

**SAP HANA Cloud**
21%7% more

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**Microsoft SQL Server**
[
Ease of Use (32)
](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1422587&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Database Management (29)
](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1422948&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Expensive (21)
](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1421552&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
High Licensing Cost (12)
](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1422329&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**SAP HANA Cloud**
[
Ease of Use (53)
](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1789834&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Easy Integrations (41)
](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1787099&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Complexity (33)
](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1787936&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Expensive (32)
](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1789824&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Integrations

**Microsoft SQL Server**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_f176b4154a751d10150daa67a57b7dc5/azure-data-factory.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

Azure Data Factory

](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-data-factory/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_13aba37ae908d9cf29a2452925257ccc/azure-databricks.jpeg "Product Avatar Image")

Azure Databricks

](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-databricks/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_f176b4154a751d10150daa67a57b7dc5/azure-sql-database.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

Azure SQL Database

](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-sql-database/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_a6c205d533dba77b318af96d91beb2ac/databricks.jpeg "Product Avatar Image")

Databricks

](https://www.g2.com/products/databricks/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/integrations)

**SAP HANA Cloud**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_558e0aa21ea4876096e0aff8f8e3b4dc/blackline-blackline-financial-close-management.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

BlackLine Financial Close...

](https://www.g2.com/products/blackline-blackline-financial-close-management/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_816e7e27d5ac09363053c4ca43e63c5c/jenkins.png "Product Avatar Image")

Jenkins

](https://www.g2.com/products/jenkins/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_b8b49f2b6f9cd484b0efa52a4abd8269/microsoft-microsoft-power-bi.png "Product Avatar Image")

Microsoft Power BI

](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-power-bi/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_1690e90d3b34e5682247349555a8ab59/opentext-documentum-content-management.jpeg "Product Avatar Image")

OpenText Documentum Content...

](https://www.g2.com/products/opentext-documentum-content-management/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/integrations)

Screenshots

**Microsoft SQL Server**
 ![Microsoft SQL Server screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/79420/screenshot.png)

**SAP HANA Cloud**
 ![SAP HANA Cloud screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/1313857/SAP-HANA-Cloud-Marketecture.jpg)

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**Microsoft SQL Server**

9.0

9.01,877

**SAP HANA Cloud**

8.7

8.7372

Ease of Use

**Microsoft SQL Server**

8.6

8.61,895

**SAP HANA Cloud**

8.1

8.1390

Ease of Setup

**Microsoft SQL Server**

8.2

8.21,018

**SAP HANA Cloud**

7.8

7.8276

Ease of Admin

**Microsoft SQL Server**

8.3

8.3955

**SAP HANA Cloud**

7.9

7.9200

Quality of Support

**Microsoft SQL Server**

8.3

8.31,669

**SAP HANA Cloud**

8.2

8.2356

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Microsoft SQL Server**

8.4

8.4904

**SAP HANA Cloud**

8.5

8.5196

Product Direction (% positive)

**Microsoft SQL Server**

8.4

8.41,846

**SAP HANA Cloud**

8.6

8.6340

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Database Management Systems (DBMS)

9.0

180

8.9

23

Relational Databases

8.8

1,472

8.5

299

Business Intelligence

Not enough data

8.7

35

Data Visualization

Not enough data

8.3

38

Data Virtualization

Not enough data

8.6

112

Database as a Service (DBaaS)

Not enough data

8.6

105

Big Data Processing and Distribution

8.4

62

Not enough data

Predictive Analytics

Not enough data

8.5

13

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
18.3%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
36.6%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
45.2%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
18.3%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
36.6%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
45.2%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
11.8%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
25.6%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
62.5%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
11.8%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
25.6%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
62.5%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![Microsoft SQL Server](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/microsoft-sql-server.svg "Microsoft SQL Server")](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews)
Microsoft SQL Server

Information Technology and Services
24.1%

Computer Software
13.7%

Hospital & Health Care
5.4%

Financial Services
4.3%

Higher Education
2.9%

Other
49.7%

[![SAP HANA Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/b5f8f986beca96ab0027c693ee762fb9/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01.svg "SAP HANA Cloud")](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews)
SAP HANA Cloud

Information Technology and Services
19.0%

Computer Software
7.5%

Accounting
4.8%

Retail
4.8%

Consumer Goods
3.6%

Other
60.2%

FAQs

## MS SQL vs SAP HANA Cloud FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between MS SQL vs SAP HANA Cloud?

MS SQL is distinguished by its higher Ease of Setup and Quality of Support scores, while SAP HANA Cloud is noted for its speed and real-time data processing capabilities.

| | [MS SQL](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews) | [SAP HANA Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.4/5 (2,287 reviews) | 4.3/5 (621 reviews) |
| Largest Segment | Enterprise | Enterprise |
| Ease of Setup score | 8.1 | 7.8 |
| Quality of Support score | 8.3 | 8.2 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Stability and reliability for large data volumes | Speed and real-time data processing |

### How do the pricing models of MS SQL and SAP HANA Cloud compare?

MS SQL is rated higher for value, with a stronger Price/Cost satisfaction score than SAP HANA Cloud.

- **MS SQL:** Reviewers frequently cite high licensing costs but also note strong value for enterprise features and integration, with a Price/Cost satisfaction score of 8.4.
- **SAP HANA Cloud:** Reviewers consistently mention high total cost of ownership and complexity, with a Price/Cost satisfaction score of 8.2.
- **Switching reasons:** Recent reviews highlight cost and complexity as key factors for considering alternatives to SAP HANA Cloud, especially for small and mid-sized organizations.

### What are the best alternatives to MS SQL and SAP HANA Cloud?

The top 3 alternatives to MS SQL and SAP HANA Cloud are Snowflake, Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform, and Cloud SQL.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [MS SQL](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews) | 4.4/5 (2,287 reviews) | Enterprise | High licensing costs noted | Stability and reliability for large data volumes |
| [SAP HANA Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews) | 4.3/5 (621 reviews) | Enterprise | High total cost of ownership | Speed and real-time data processing |
| [Snowflake](https://www.g2.com/products/snowflake/reviews) | 4.6/5 (763 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Scalability and performance for analytics workloads |
| [Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/teradata-autonomous-knowledge-platform/reviews) | 4.3/5 (376 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Enterprise-grade analytics and data management |
| [Cloud SQL](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-sql/reviews) | 4.5/5 (367 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Managed cloud database with ease of use |

### Which Relational Databases features should I prioritize when comparing MS SQL and SAP HANA Cloud?

Buyers should prioritize Ease of Use, Performance, Integrations, Security, and Scalability when comparing MS SQL and SAP HANA Cloud.

- **Ease of Use:** MS SQL scores 8.6; SAP HANA Cloud scores 8.2. All-time mentions: MS SQL (32), SAP HANA Cloud (55).
- **Performance:** MS SQL scores 25 all-time mentions; SAP HANA Cloud scores 29 all-time mentions for performance and 39 for speed.
- **Integrations:** MS SQL has 22 all-time mentions for easy integrations; SAP HANA Cloud has 41 all-time mentions for easy integrations.
- **Security:** MS SQL has 11 all-time mentions for security; SAP HANA Cloud is frequently cited for robust access control and security features in recent reviews.
- **Scalability:** SAP HANA Cloud has 35 all-time mentions for scalability, while MS SQL is noted for reliability at scale in recent reviews.

### What are the pros and cons of MS SQL vs SAP HANA Cloud?

MS SQL's headline strength is stability and reliability for large data volumes, while SAP HANA Cloud excels in speed and real-time data processing.

- **MS SQL strengths:** Stability and reliability (18 all-time mentions), ease of use (32), database management (29), strong integration with Microsoft ecosystem (21), robust security (11), and high availability features.
- **MS SQL trade-offs:** High licensing costs (21), resource intensity, complex licensing model, and performance tuning complexity for large-scale deployments.
- **SAP HANA Cloud strengths:** Speed (39), real-time data processing (32), scalability (35), easy integrations (41), and strong analytics capabilities (29).
- **SAP HANA Cloud trade-offs:** High cost (32), complexity (33), steep learning curve (30), and initial setup challenges for new users.

### Is MS SQL or SAP HANA Cloud better for small businesses?

MS SQL is a better fit for small businesses, as reviewers highlight its suitability for smaller deployments and licensing flexibility.

- **MS SQL:** Largest segment is Enterprise, but recent reviews note that it is efficient for small to medium-scale businesses on licensing aspects and is considered a mature solution for smaller databases.
- **SAP HANA Cloud:** Largest segment is Enterprise, and reviewers frequently cite high cost and complexity as barriers for small businesses, with one review explicitly stating it is not cost-efficient for small businesses.

### Which Relational Databases platform has better integrations?

SAP HANA Cloud is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited mentions and broader integration capabilities.

- **MS SQL:** Integrates with Azure SQL Database, Microsoft Power BI, and Azure Data Factory, with 22 all-time mentions for easy integrations and 21 for integrations overall.
- **SAP HANA Cloud:** Easy integrations are cited in 41 all-time reviews, with frequent mentions of integration across SAP products and third-party systems, as well as support for hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

### How do MS SQL and SAP HANA Cloud compare on customer support?

MS SQL and SAP HANA Cloud are rated nearly identically on Quality of Support, with MS SQL at 8.3 and SAP HANA Cloud at 8.2, indicating parity.

- **MS SQL:** Reviewers consistently describe support as helpful and responsive, with many citing strong documentation and a large community as valuable resources.
- **SAP HANA Cloud:** Reviewers note reliable and high-quality support, with several highlighting the value of SAP's support focus and the availability of training resources.

### Which is easier to implement, MS SQL or SAP HANA Cloud?

MS SQL is rated higher for Ease of Setup (8.1 vs. 7.8), indicating it is generally easier to implement than SAP HANA Cloud.

- **MS SQL:** Reviewers frequently mention straightforward setup, intuitive interfaces, and easy initial implementation, especially for those familiar with SQL or the Microsoft ecosystem.
- **SAP HANA Cloud:** Reviewers often cite a steeper learning curve and more complex initial setup, with several noting that onboarding and configuration require more time and expertise.

### Which product has better Security?

MS SQL is more frequently cited for Security, with higher all-time mention counts and strong reviewer sentiment for built-in security features.

- **MS SQL:** Security is cited in 11 all-time reviews, with reviewers highlighting features like Transparent Data Encryption, row-level security, and dynamic data masking.
- **SAP HANA Cloud:** Reviewers note robust access control and security features, including role-based access control and centralized cloud identity, but all-time mention counts are not supplied.

Alternatives

**Microsoft SQL Server Alternatives**

 ![Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/18effe7340087cf76270e479644d3e42/teradata-autonomous-knowledge-platform.svg "Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform")

[
Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform
](/products/teradata-autonomous-knowledge-platform/reviews)

 ![Google Cloud SQL](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a4f97d6f742e657968c8830b1a97c42e/google-cloud-sql.svg "Google Cloud SQL")

[
Cloud SQL
](/products/google-cloud-sql/reviews)

 ![Snowflake](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1544409170/snowflake.svg "Snowflake")

[
Snowflake
](/products/snowflake/reviews)

 ![Supabase](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/71506b5f01eaefca430fe84b5207cf1c/supabase-supabase.jpeg "Supabase")

[
Supabase
](/products/supabase-supabase/reviews)

**SAP HANA Cloud Alternatives**

 ![Snowflake](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1544409170/snowflake.svg "Snowflake")

[
Snowflake
](/products/snowflake/reviews)

 ![Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/18effe7340087cf76270e479644d3e42/teradata-autonomous-knowledge-platform.svg "Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform")

[
Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform
](/products/teradata-autonomous-knowledge-platform/reviews)

 ![Alteryx](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/5200f776b24b5976b8f7d151d1d2e8fd/alteryx.svg "Alteryx")

[
Alteryx
](/products/alteryx/reviews)

 ![Databricks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/135d1c9e39e19ef56dc8d0bf90fce20f/databricks.svg "Databricks")

[
Databricks
](/products/databricks/reviews)