Microsoft has today announced the availability of SQL Server 2017 Release Candidate 2 (RC2). The company took to its blog to reveal the update is now available for download. This release comes two weeks after Microsoft rolled out the first Release Candidate for the platform.
In its announcement, the company calls SQL Server 2017 RC2 an important release. Its continues development of SQL Server and enhances its performance for Windows, Linux, and Docker containers.
Microsoft points out development on the platform continues. Performance improvements are the focus as SQL Server 2017 works towards managing Tier 1 workloads.
RC2 is available to test now, and as usual the SQL Server team wants user feedback. The company has supplied updated developer tutorials to help developers install SQL Server 2017 across platforms. RC2 is available on Windows, Docker, Linux, and Mac.
SQL Server 2017
To deliver the service on Linux, the company uses Microsoft Research “Drawbridge” technology. Drawbridge has been in development for years and is part of Microsoft Research’s adaptation of the Library OS.
It was also an important part in Microsoft’s support of Bash on Windows 10. By using the new Ubuntu Linux for Windows 10 app, users are able to run Linux on Windows 10.
SQL Server 2017 has moved through seven Community Technology Previews. Through development, Microsoft has introduced Python integration, Linux support, adaptive query processing, and the following features:
- “SQL Server on Linux Active Directory integration
- Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt data
- SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS)
- Machine Learning Services enhancements
- SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) on Linux
- SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) on Windows Server”
