Comparing SQL Server and MariaDB

In this blog post, we will compare SQL Server and MariaDB, two popular database platforms, and discuss their differences in terms of replication support, data migration, supported operating systems, pricing, versions, cluster options, index types, reporting tools, storing large files, and UI tools for administration.

Replication Support

SQL Server offers several replication options including transactional, merge, snapshot replication, Microsoft Sync Framework, database mirroring, and AlwaysOn Availability Groups. On the other hand, MariaDB has a standard replication solution with master server(s) and slave mirror(s). It also offers MariaDB Galera Cluster, an Active-Active solution available only for Linux.

Data Migration

SQL Server provides options like the Copy Database Wizard, SQL Server Integration Services for customized migration solutions, and SQL Server Migration Assistant. For migrating data to other databases like Oracle or DB2, third-party tools like Upscene or Navicat Premium can be used. MariaDB does not have built-in migration tools, so third-party tools are required.

Supported Operating Systems

SQL Server is only supported on Windows, while MariaDB supports Windows, Linux, UNIX, OS X, Solaris, and BSD.

Pricing

SQL Server pricing depends on the edition, with SQL Server Express being the free edition. MariaDB, on the other hand, is distributed under the GNU license for free, but technical support is paid.

Versions

SQL Server has a wide range of versions including 2014, 2012, 2008, 2005, 2000, 7.0, 6.5, 6.0, 4.21, 1.1, and 1.0. MariaDB versions include 10.1, 10.0, 5.5, 5.3, 5.2, and 5.1.

Cluster Options

SQL Server offers two cluster options: SQL Server Failover Cluster and AlwaysOn Availability Groups. MariaDB has Mariadb Enterprise Cluster for high availability and Mariadb MaxScale for scalability.

Index Types

SQL Server supports various index types including clustered indexes, nonclustered indexes, hash indexes, unique indexes, in-memory columnstore index, computed column index, filtered index, spatial index, and fulltext index. MariaDB supports B-tree indexes, hash indexes, R-tree indexes for spatial data, primary keys, unique indexes, plain indexes, and fulltext indexes.

Reporting Tools

SQL Server supports SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and the ability to publish reports in SharePoint using tools like Powerview. MariaDB supports tools like Navicat for MariaDB, JPDB Admin for Mariadb, and Valentina Studio for reporting.

Storing Large Files

SQL Server supports Filestream at the database level for storing large files like images and PDFs. MariaDB supports blob data types for storing such files.

UI Tools for Administration

SQL Server provides SQL Server Management Studio and SQL Server Data Tools for administration. MariaDB offers tools like HeidiSQL, DBEdit, Navicat, Database Workbench, and SQLyog.

Overall, SQL Server and MariaDB have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them depends on specific requirements and preferences.

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