SQL Server Archives

Tech Optimizer

March 18, 2026

Microsoft promises all-in-one database wrangling hub on Fabric

Microsoft has launched a new database management tool called Database Hub, which is part of its Fabric data platform. This tool allows for the management of multiple databases using a single SQL engine and serves as a centralized location for overseeing various database services, including Azure SQL Server, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Database for PostgreSQL, SQL Server with Azure Arc, and Azure Database for MySQL. Currently in early access, Database Hub aims to provide a unified management experience across on-premises, PaaS, and SaaS environments. The tool will incorporate AI capabilities to enhance database management, featuring "agent-assisted" and "human-in-the-loop" approaches for analyzing estate-wide signals. Microsoft’s LLM tool, Copilot, will offer insights into the database estate's status, including aggregate health views and trend analysis. However, specific details on the Database Hub's database tuning and optimization capabilities were not provided. Additionally, a study from Carnegie Mellon University indicated that vector embedding algorithms could improve the performance of PostgreSQL services significantly. Microsoft has also launched various database systems, including a document database platform based on PostgreSQL and a distributed PostgreSQL database service. Other vendors like Databricks and Snowflake have introduced their own transactional database services within their platforms.

Tech Optimizer

March 12, 2026

Why Postgres® has won as the de facto database: Today and for the agentic future

The AI economy is projected to reach a trillion by 2028, leading 95% of major global enterprises to establish AI and data platforms within two years, although only 13% have succeeded so far. Successful integration of agentic AI requires moving away from outdated architectures to a cohesive data and AI approach. Currently, 81% of successful enterprises utilize open-source strategies, with over 40% standardizing on PostgreSQL. PostgreSQL's extensibility allows for the integration of diverse data types, essential for AI applications. It provides a unified database engine that mitigates issues associated with fragmented architectures. PostgreSQL benefits from a large independent developer community, which enhances its innovation and adaptability. To thrive in the future, organizations must abandon legacy systems and leverage PostgreSQL's capabilities for a sovereign data platform.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Windows 10/11 Patch Day March: Microsoft delivers the big security update, but as usual, the real message is in the fine print

In March, Microsoft released cumulative security updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11, with support for certain versions continuing until March 2026. The updates include KB5079466 for Windows 11 version 26H1, KB5079473 for versions 24H2 and 25H2, KB5078883 for version 23H2, and KB5078885 for Windows 10 version 22H2. These updates will be distributed via Windows Update, the Microsoft Update Catalog, and WSUS for enterprise environments. This month, Microsoft combined the Servicing Stack Update (SSU) with the Latest Cumulative Update, simplifying the update process. Key enhancements include improvements to Secure Boot, with expanded device target data for new certificates, and security enhancements for Explorer’s search functionality in Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. A fix for Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) was also implemented, addressing issues with COM objects under certain policy configurations. The Windows System Image Manager received a new warning dialog for confirming the trustworthiness of catalog files, which is important for enterprise environments. Updates for Windows 10 22H2, despite its end-of-life status, included fixes for secure boot issues and improvements for file version history in the Control Panel. An SSU for Windows 11 (KB5077869) was also released to maintain update stability. Microsoft's updates scheduled for March 2026 will address vulnerabilities in components like the Windows App Installer, SQL Server, and Microsoft Office. The Security Update Guide provides detailed information on specific vulnerabilities and affected components.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Microsoft Patch Tuesday, March 2026 Edition

Microsoft Corp. has released security updates addressing at least 77 vulnerabilities across its Windows operating systems and various software applications. Key vulnerabilities include: - CVE-2026-21262: Allows an attacker to elevate privileges on SQL Server 2016 and later, with a CVSS v3 base score of 8.8. - CVE-2026-26127: Affects applications running on .NET, potentially leading to denial of service. - CVE-2026-26113 and CVE-2026-26110: Remote code execution flaws in Microsoft Office exploitable by viewing malicious messages in the Preview Pane. - CVE-2026-24291, CVE-2026-24294, CVE-2026-24289, and CVE-2026-25187: Privilege escalation vulnerabilities rated CVSS 7.8. - CVE-2026-21536: A critical remote code execution bug identified by an AI agent, marking a shift toward AI-driven vulnerability discovery. Additionally, Microsoft previously addressed nine browser vulnerabilities and issued an out-of-band update on March 2 for Windows Server 2022. Adobe has released updates for 80 vulnerabilities across its products, and Mozilla Firefox version 148.0.2 has resolved three high-severity CVEs.

Winsage

February 25, 2026

Microsoft gives Windows laggards the ‘gift of time’ wrapped in licensing fees

Microsoft is offering up to three years of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for older Windows installations, with the expectation of compensation. Most major versions of Windows 10 will reach end of support by 2025, while Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB and Windows IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016 will end support on October 13, 2026, and Windows Server 2016 will conclude support on January 12, 2027. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025 for Windows Server 2016 users. The pricing for ESU for Windows 10 2016 LTSB starts at a specified amount per device for the first year, with expected increases in subsequent years. Customers using Intune or Windows Autopatch may receive a reduced rate. There is no official pricing for Windows Server 2016 ESU, creating uncertainty for administrators. Historically, Microsoft has charged a premium for extended support, with previous ESU costs for Windows Server 2012 being 100 percent of the full license price for the first year. The final cost of ESU will depend on each organization’s licensing agreement.

Tech Optimizer

February 12, 2026

Build a custom solution to migrate SQL Server HierarchyID to PostgreSQL LTREE with AWS DMS

Data migration from SQL Server to Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL or Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition often requires adjustments to the database schema or SQL commands. AWS provides DMS Schema Conversion to aid in converting existing database schemas and AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) to assist in data migration, featuring enhanced security and minimized downtime. SQL Server uses the HierarchyID data type for managing hierarchical data, while PostgreSQL employs the LTREE extension for similar purposes. The migration process involves preparing both the source SQL Server and target PostgreSQL environments, creating tables, installing the LTREE extension, and converting schemas using AWS DMS Schema Conversion. The migration steps include creating sample tables in SQL Server with HierarchyID columns, enabling change data capture (CDC), creating the LTREE extension in PostgreSQL, and preparing the target table structure. AWS DMS endpoints are created for both source and target databases, followed by the creation and execution of an AWS DMS migration task. Post-migration, the original HierarchyID column is replaced with the LTREE column, and the IDENTITY column behavior is reverted to its original state. The migration process is verified by inserting rows in PostgreSQL and ensuring they are in the correct LTREE format. Common functions from SQL Server's HierarchyID are mapped to their PostgreSQL LTREE equivalents, facilitating the transition between the two systems.

Tech Optimizer

January 27, 2026

PostgreSQL for WMS: a DBMS selection strategy in the era of import substitution

Choosing a Database Management System (DBMS) for Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is a strategic decision that impacts security, budget, and adaptability. PostgreSQL is identified as a safe, cost-effective, and future-proof solution for Russian warehouse systems, especially following the withdrawal of foreign vendors like Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server. Starting September 1, 2025, foreign software usage in government bodies and companies with over 50% state ownership will face legal restrictions, posing regulatory risks for those using Oracle. Financial risks include high licensing fees and the potential for legal prohibitions on current technologies. Business continuity risks arise from the possibility of vendors ceasing support and updates. PostgreSQL, both in its vanilla form and commercial derivatives like Postgres Pro, is presented as a robust alternative capable of handling high loads and providing necessary features for modern WMS. It supports real-time analytics and advanced capabilities such as intelligent search and automatic classification using neural networks. Key considerations when choosing a DBMS include estimating data volumes, checking legal requirements, and calculating total cost of ownership (TCO).

Winsage

January 15, 2026

Microsoft updates Windows DLL that triggered security alerts

Microsoft has resolved an issue where third-party security applications mistakenly flagged the WinSqlite3.dll component of the Windows operating system as vulnerable. This issue affected various systems, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2012 through 2025. The flagged vulnerability was linked to a memory corruption issue (CVE-2025-6965). Microsoft released an update to the WinSqlite3.dll component in updates from June 2025 and later, advising users to install the latest updates for their devices. WinSqlite3.dll is a core component of Windows, distinct from sqlite3.dll, which is not part of the operating system. Microsoft had previously addressed other false positive issues affecting its Defender for Endpoint platform.

Winsage

January 14, 2026

U.S. CISA adds a flaw in Microsoft Windows to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added a Microsoft Windows vulnerability, CVE-2026-20805, to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, with a CVSS score of 8.7. This vulnerability, part of the January 2026 Patch Tuesday updates, affects the Windows Desktop Window Manager and allows attackers to leak memory information, potentially aiding in further exploits. Federal Civilian Executive Branch agencies must address this vulnerability by February 3, 2026, as mandated by Binding Operational Directive 22-01.

Winsage

December 25, 2025

Native NVMe support in Windows Server 2025 promises dramatic speed gains

Microsoft has introduced native NVMe support in Windows Server 2025, enhancing the performance of modern NVMe devices, including PCIe Gen5 SSDs and high-end Host Bus Adapters (HBAs). This feature eliminates the translation layers that previously routed NVMe I/O through SCSI, resulting in reduced processing overhead and latency. Testing shows that Windows Server 2025 can achieve up to 80% higher 4K random read IOPS and approximately 45% fewer CPU cycles per I/O compared to Windows Server 2022. The enhancements benefit enterprise applications such as SQL Server, OLTP workloads, and virtualization environments using Hyper-V, as well as analytics and AI/ML workloads. To utilize native NVMe, system administrators must use the in-box Windows NVMe driver, and the feature requires an opt-in process with the latest cumulative update and registry key or Group Policy configuration. Organizations should validate the implementation to assess its impact on their production environments.