Unveil the data platform of the future with SQL Server 2025—guided by one of its key architects
. With built-in AI for application development and advanced analytics powered by Microsoft
Fabric SQL Server 2025 empowers you to innovate—securely and confidently. This book shows you
how. Author Bob Ward Principal Architect for the Microsoft Azure Data team shares exclusive
insights drawn from over three decades at Microsoft. Having worked on every version of SQL
Server since OS 2 1.1 Ward brings unmatched expertise and practical guidance to help you
navigate this transformative release. Ward covers everything from setup and upgrades to
advanced features in performance high availability and security. He also highlights what
makes this the most developer-friendly release in a decade: support for JSON RegEx REST APIs
and event streaming. Most critically Ward explores SQL Server 2025’s advanced scalable AI
integrations showing you how to build AI-powered applications deeply integrated with the SQL
engine—and elevate your analytics to the next level. But innovation doesn’t come at the cost of
safety: this release is built on a foundation of enterprise-grade security helping you adopt
AI safely and responsibly. You control which models to use how they interact with your data
and where they run—from ground to cloud or integrated with Microsoft Fabric. With built-in
features like Row-Level Security (RLS) Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) Dynamic Data Masking
and SQL Server Auditing your data remains protected at every layer. The AI age is here. Make
sure your SQL Server databases are ready—and built for secure scalable innovation . What
You Will Learn · · · · · · · Use new
query processing capabilities to extend the performance of your application · ·
· · · Leverage new tools such as SQL Server Management Studio and
Copilot experiences to assist your SQL Server journey Who This Book Is For The SQL
Server community including DBAs architects and developers eager to stay ahead with the
latest advancements in SQL Server 2025 and those interested in the intersection of AI and data
particularly how artificial intelligence (AI) can be seamlessly integrated with SQL Server to
unlock deeper insights and smarter solutions
