SQL Server Newsletter (October 2025) Recent News

Here is the SQL Server Newsletter for October 2025. A summary of SQL Server blog posts you might have missed this last month.

Connection Dialog Updates: Added a Reset button to clear fields in the Connection Properties section.
SQL Server 2025 Support: Ability to create Vector and JSON indexes directly from Object Explorer.
Query Editor & UI Improvements – Fixed scrolling behavior when results grid has focus but mouse hovers over query editor.
Authentication Fix: Added Clear Entra ID Token Cache option in Help menu to resolve access issues for newly added Entra ID group members.

GitHub Copilot Integration
- Users can log in with an existing GitHub Copilot subscription or sign up for Copilot Free directly from SSMS.
- Provides AI-powered help for writing, editing, and fixing T-SQL queries.
Context-Aware Assistance
- Copilot understands database and connection context, including SQL version and schema.
- Offers query help and answers database-related questions via a chat window in SSMS.
Current Limitations
- No auto-complete functionality yet (planned for future releases).
- Feature set is limited in this initial preview; parity with original SSMS Copilot will come in later updates.

Migration Scenarios Covered
- Lift-and-Shift to Azure SQL MI for near 100% SQL Server compatibility.
- Modernization to Azure SQL DB for cloud-native benefits and scalability.
Recommended Tools
- Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) for online and offline migrations.
- DMA (Data Migration Assistant) for compatibility checks and remediation.
Performance & Cost Optimization
- Guidance on choosing the right service tier and compute size.
- Tips for leveraging Hyperscale and serverless options for dynamic workloads.
Security & Compliance
- Use Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and Customer-Managed Keys for data protection.
- Recommendations for network isolation using Private Link and VNet integration.
Common Pitfalls & Solutions
- Addressing feature gaps between on-prem SQL Server and Azure SQL DB.
- Strategies for minimizing downtime during migration.

Immutable Backups
- Once written, backups cannot be modified or deleted for a defined retention period.
- Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and enhances data protection.
Ransomware Protection
- Prevents attackers from tampering with or deleting backups, even with elevated privileges.
- Enables quick recovery from clean, untouchable copies without paying ransom.
Configuration Options
- Available for LTR backups in Azure SQL Database.
- Can be enabled via Azure Portal, PowerShell, or Azure CLI.
Compliance & Governance
- Supports industry standards for immutability and retention policies.
- Ideal for organizations with strict audit and compliance requirements.

Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) Support
- Customers can use keys stored in Azure Key Vault as TDE protectors for encrypting data at rest.
- Enables separation of duties between key management and data management for compliance.
Geo-Replication Integration
- When geo-replication is enabled, the primary and secondary databases share the same TDE protector key.
- Ensures consistent encryption across regions for disaster recovery and business continuity.
Key Management Features
- Supports automatic key rotation via Azure Key Vault policies.
- Allows updating or changing keys without downtime for geo-replicated databases.
Security Benefits
- Protects against offline threats by encrypting data at rest.
- Meets compliance requirements for regulated industries through BYOK and audit capabilities.

Multiple Geo-Replicas
- Previously limited to a single geo-replica; now you can create up to four geo-replicas per database.
- Each replica resides in a different Azure region for enhanced resiliency.
Improved Disaster Recovery
- Faster failover options across multiple regions.
- Reduces downtime during regional outages or maintenance events.
Global Read Scale-Out
- Geo-replicas can serve read-only workloads, improving performance for globally distributed applications.
- Ideal for analytics and reporting scenarios without impacting primary workload.
Management & Configuration
- Available via Azure Portal, PowerShell, and Azure CLI.
- Supports automatic seeding and synchronization for replicas.

Expanded Connectivity Types
- Adds support for Private Link and Public Endpoint with IP Restrictions for more granular access control.
- Improves Virtual Network (VNet) integration for secure communication between managed instances and on-premises resources.
Simplified Configuration
- Streamlined setup for hybrid connectivity using VPN or ExpressRoute.
- Enhanced portal experience for configuring endpoints and firewall rules.
Security Enhancements
- Private Link ensures traffic stays on Microsoft backbone network, reducing exposure to public internet.
- IP-based restrictions allow precise control over which clients can access the instance.
Use Cases
- Ideal for organizations requiring secure hybrid connectivity or multi-region deployments.
- Supports compliance needs by limiting data exposure and enforcing network isolation.

New Learning Paths & Modules
- Expanded content on Zero Trust, identity and access management, and security operations.
- Updated modules for Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Sentinel, and Microsoft Purview to reflect latest product capabilities.
Applied Skills & Certifications
- Introduced Microsoft Applied Skills credentials for validating in-demand technical skills.
- Refreshed certification exams with AI-focused updates and fundamentals enhancements.
Learn Live Sessions
- Interactive sessions covering threat detection, incident response, and compliance management.
- Designed to help learners earn badges and prepare for certifications while engaging with experts.
AI and Security Integration
- New content on securing AI workloads and managing compliance with Microsoft Purview and Microsoft 365 Copilot.
- Focus on responsible AI practices and mitigating risks in AI environments.

John Deardurff