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Microsoft SQL VS InterSystems IRIS

Compare Microsoft SQL VS InterSystems IRIS and see what are their differences

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Microsoft SQL logo Microsoft SQL

Microsoft SQL is a best in class relational database management software that facilitates the database server to provide you a primary function to store and retrieve data.

InterSystems IRIS logo InterSystems IRIS

InterSystems IRIS Data Platform sets a new level of performance for rapidly developing and deploying applications. Learn how it can help your organization.
  • Microsoft SQL Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-26
  • InterSystems IRIS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-11-13

InterSystems IRIS is a complete cloud-first data platform that includes a multi-model transactional data management engine, an application development platform, and interoperability engine, and an open analytics platform.

It is the next generation of our proven data management software.It includes the capabilities of InterSystems Cache and Ensemble, plus a wealth of exciting new capabilities to make it easy to build and deploy cloud based, analytics-intensive enterprise applications with even greater performance and scalability.

InterSystems IRIS provides a set of APIs to operate with transactional persistent data simultaneously: key-value, relational, object, document, multidimensional.

Data can be managed by SQL, Java, node.js, .NET, C++, Python, and native server-side ObjectScript language.

InterSystems IRIS includes an Interoperability engine and modules to build AI solutions. InterSystems IRIS provides features for horizontal scalability (sharding, ECP) and provides High Availability features, Business intelligence, transaction support, and backup.

Microsoft SQL features and specs

  • Comprehensive Feature Set
    SQL Server offers a wide range of features including advanced analytics, in-memory capabilities, robust security measures, and integration services.
  • High Performance
    With in-memory OLTP and support for persistent memory technologies, SQL Server provides high transaction and query performance.
  • Scalability
    SQL Server can scale from small installations on single machines to large, data-intensive applications requiring high throughput and storage.
  • Security
    SQL Server offers advanced security features like encryption, dynamic data masking, and advanced threat protection, ensuring data safety and compliance.
  • Integrations
    It easily integrates with other Microsoft products such as Azure, Power BI, and Active Directory, providing a cohesive ecosystem for enterprise solutions.
  • Developer Friendly
    It supports a wide range of development tools and languages including .NET, Python, Java, and more, making it highly versatile for developers.
  • High Availability
    Features like Always On availability groups and failover clustering provide high availability and disaster recovery options for critical applications.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft SQL

  • Cost
    SQL Server can be expensive, particularly for the Enterprise edition. Licensing costs can add up quickly depending on the features and scale required.
  • Complexity
    Due to its comprehensive feature set, SQL Server can be complex to configure and manage, requiring skilled administrators and developers.
  • Resource Intensive
    SQL Server can be resource-intensive, requiring substantial hardware resources for optimal performance, which can increase overall operational costs.
  • Windows-Centric
    While SQL Server can run on Linux, it is primarily optimized for and tightly integrated with the Windows ecosystem, which may not suit all organizations.
  • Vendor Lock-In
    Being a proprietary solution, it can cause vendor lock-in, making it challenging to switch to alternative database systems without significant migration efforts.

InterSystems IRIS features and specs

  • Unified Data Platform
    InterSystems IRIS provides a single platform for data management, interoperability, and analytics, reducing the complexity and costs associated with using multiple disparate systems.
  • High Performance and Scalability
    The platform offers high transactional and analytical performance, allowing it to handle large volumes of data and numerous simultaneous users efficiently. It is designed to scale easily as the data needs grow.
  • Interoperability
    InterSystems IRIS is known for its strong focus on interoperability, enabling seamless data integration across different systems and technologies, which is crucial for healthcare and financial services.
  • Multi-Model Database
    The platform supports multiple data models including SQL, NoSQL, and object-oriented data, providing flexibility to use the most appropriate data model for various applications.
  • Reliable and Secure
    InterSystems IRIS includes built-in features for security and data protection, making it a reliable choice for industries that have stringent compliance requirements, such as healthcare and finance.

Possible disadvantages of InterSystems IRIS

  • Complexity
    The platform's comprehensive features and capabilities can lead to a steep learning curve for new users, requiring more time and resources for proper training and deployment.
  • Cost
    InterSystems IRIS can be expensive, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses, due to licensing and implementation costs associated with enterprise-grade solutions.
  • Limited Community Support
    While the platform is robust, it has a smaller user community compared to open-source databases, which can limit the availability of community-driven support and resources.
  • Vendor Lock-In
    As a proprietary solution, there might be a risk of vendor lock-in, making it challenging to switch to a different provider once deeply integrated into business operations.
  • Legacy System Integration
    While it's strong in interoperability, integration with certain legacy systems may still pose challenges, requiring bespoke solutions or workarounds.

Microsoft SQL videos

3.1 Microsoft SQL Server Review

More videos:

  • Review - What is Microsoft SQL Server?
  • Review - Querying Microsoft SQL Server (T-SQL) | Udemy Instructor, Phillip Burton [bestseller]

InterSystems IRIS videos

Building a REST API with InterSystems IRIS

More videos:

  • Review - Intelligent Integration with InterSystems IRIS
  • Review - Adopting InterSystems IRIS

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Microsoft SQL and InterSystems IRIS)
Databases
93 93%
7% 7
Database Management
0 0%
100% 100
Relational Databases
100 100%
0% 0
Tool
100 100%
0% 0

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Microsoft SQL and InterSystems IRIS, you can also consider the following products

MySQL - The world's most popular open source database

SQL Developer - Oracle SQL Developer is a free, development environment that simplifies the management of Oracle Database in both traditional and Cloud deployments.

PostgreSQL - PostgreSQL is a powerful, open source object-relational database system.

Toad Edge - Windows GUI for MySQL. SQL Syntax Check. Freeware (Basic Features) & Payware (Extended Features).

SQLite - SQLite Home Page

DbVisualizer - DbVisualizer is the universal database tool for developers, DBAs and analysts.