SQL Server offers some of the most effective built-in performance features, which I use extensively to optimize queries and fine-tune indexing strategies such as clustered, non-clustered, and columnstore indexes. It also delivers strong security capabilities, including Transparent Data Encryption, row-level security, and dynamic data masking, making it a reliable choice for enterprise environments. Additionally, its flexibility across environments is a major advantage, allowing a seamless transition from on-premises deployments to the cloud without requiring significant redesign. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The Enterprise edition, in particular is very expensive per core, and the costs increase quickly as you scale. SQL Server also requires more RAM and CPU, and when parallel jobs are running it can lead to resource constraints. On top of that, the licensing model is complex and difficult to estimate upfront for a real project. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.