Microsoft Releases SQL Server 2012 Service Pack 4

Microsoft today announced that the final service pack for SQL Server 2012 is now available for download.

The latest official release for the half-decade-old version of Microsoft's database management system includes a rollup of all hotfixes released over the years and focuses on scalability and performance improvements, especially on newer hardware. 

The final service pack also includes:

• Enhancements to dynamic management views (DMV), extended events, and query plans to provide additional monitoring capabilities.
• Consistency check performance improvements.
• Increased diagnostic tools in showplan XML.
• Resource Governor query hints, which Microsoft said will provide increased granular control.
• Performance improvements when accessing XEL files in the XEvent Linq reader.
• Database cloning, which will copy the schema and metadata (without the actual data) for troubleshooting.
• Spatial queries performance improvements.

Microsoft To Deliver Monthly Feature Updates to SQL Server 2017

Microsoft announced this week that a faster update release pace will be coming to its newly announced SQL Server 2017 product.

Microsoft unveiled SQL Server 2017 this week at its Ignite event, indicating that new database management system will be generally available on Oct. 2 of this year. On Thursday, Microsoft described the update approach it plans to adopt with SQL Server 2017, in an announcement.

Read More at https://redmondmag.com/articles/2017/09/29/sql-server-2017-monthly-feature-updates.aspx

In-database Machine Learning in SQL Server 2017

With the release of SQL Server 2017, now you have an option of In-Database machine learning capabilities.
Read more at https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/dataplatforminsider/2017/09/26/in-database-machine-learning-in-sql-server-2017/

Microsoft Announces SQL Server 2017 Launch

Last week at the Microsoft Ignite conference, Microsoft announced that SQL Server 2017 will be generally available on Oct. 2. This comes only 15 months or so after launching SQL Server 2016. Microsoft's rapid development means more frequent releases, which delivers more value to customers who pay for Software Assurance (SA). It also means that more features are delivered more frequently, which aligns to their Azure SQL Database platform, which is usually updated on a monthly basis.

Read more at https://redmondmag.com/articles/2017/09/25/microsoft-launches-sql-server-2017.aspx

Five Technologies Microsoft 'Ignited' this Week

Microsoft announced updates and improvements across its products and services at its annual Ignite conference this week in Orlando. Cloud storage functionalities took precedence, but the major tech company did not cast off its software foundation..
Here are five major technologies Microsoft is upgrading:

1. Artificial intelligence and machine learning
2. Azure cloud
3. Office 2019
4. Microsoft 365 F1
5. Microsoft Teams


SQL server 2017 includes advanced ML within the database service, and the newest iteration of Azure Machine Learning launches experimentation service, model management service and a workbench for developers and data scientists, according to an announcement. Microsoft is extending AI in Office and Windows, and the tech will serve as the foundation of new intelligent virtual agents for customer service and interaction.

Read more at http://www.ciodive.com/news/5-technologies-microsoft-ignited-this-week/505953/

SQL Server 2016 RTM Cumulative Update #8 Released!

SQL Server 2016 RTM Cumulative Update #8 addresses 19 issues. As part of the ISMv2 initiative, we are now maintaining the latest CU per mainstream supported baseline on the Download Center versus the hotfix server. This eliminates the registration requirement and helps move customers to the latest CU available regardless of when the issue was originally addressed.

This CU will be available for download from Download Center. The associated cumulative KB article, KB4040713, has also been published. Customers are directed to obtain the hotfix package through the new self-service feature by clicking on the Hotfix Download link found at the top of the KB article.

As we look towards the next Cumulative Update we welcome any suggestions you may have to improve future Cumulative Updates. Please send your suggestions and feedback using the MVP discussion alias.

Hotfixes

Successful release of Cumulative Update 8 is a testament to the commitment of the many teams within the SQL BU, who are finding solutions to provide a better customer experience. The coordination, determination and execution between all the SQL BU teams were instrumental in continuing the SQL Release team’s long standing track record for on time release of Cumulative Updates.

12 Microsoft Power BI Success Stories

Self-service BI is on the rise among forward-thinking organizations, enabling business users to obtain up-to-the-minute business information in graphical form on demand — with little to no IT intervention. Since the release of Microsoft Power BI, organizations around the world have been turning to the cloud-based service for self-service business intelligence tools that allow users to analyze, visualize and share data using the familiar Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Here are 12 success stories built on Microsoft Power BI.

Read more https://www.cio.com.au/article/626101/12-microsoft-power-bi-success-stories/?fp=4&fpid=51241

First Release Candidate of SQL Server 2017 Now Available

Release Candidate 1 (RC1), which is now available for download. This means that development work for the new version of SQL Server is complete along most dimensions needed to bring the industry-leading performance and security of SQL Server to Windows, Linux, and Docker containers.
Read more https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/dataplatforminsider/2017/07/17/first-release-candidate-of-sql-server-2017-now-available/

Predicting Hospital Length of Stay

For Hospital management make decisions on how to staff personnel, in real-time, based on patients currently admitted and what treatment is needed,it will be better of they can understand the what is the duration of the patient.
SQL Server 2016, R, and Cortana Analysis was used for this solution.

How much do you really know about SQL Server 2016 licensing?

Licensing is something I have very very little understanding. I believe it is same with many technical guys. This will give you some understanding about SQL Server 2016 licensing.

Read more at http://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/quiz/How-much-do-you-really-know-about-SQL-Server-2016-licensing