SQL Server is a powerful database management system that has been widely used for storing, managing, and retrieving data. However, with the introduction of SQL Server 2008 R2, Microsoft has taken it a step further by introducing a new event processing platform called StreamInsight.

StreamInsight is designed to accept, monitor, and respond to complex and high volumes of events in near real-time. It offers continuous and incremental processing of unending sequences of events, allowing for efficient analysis and decision-making. With its lightweight streaming architecture, StreamInsight supports highly parallel execution of continuous queries over high-speed data.

One of the key advantages of StreamInsight is its ability to achieve low latency. By processing events without costly data load or storage operations, StreamInsight ensures that the critical processing path is not slowed down. All processing is automatically triggered by incoming events, eliminating the need for event polling.

StreamInsight also allows for the inclusion of static reference or historical data in the analysis, further enhancing the accuracy and relevance of the results. This makes it a valuable tool in various industries, including manufacturing, finance, healthcare, logistics, and telecommunications.

One of the notable features of StreamInsight is its ease of use for developers. Unlike other event processing platforms, StreamInsight does not require learning a new language. Developers can create CEP (complex event processing) queries using LINQ (Language Integrated Queries), a familiar language for those experienced with SQL. This declarative approach allows for quick and efficient query writing.

Deploying StreamInsight is also straightforward, with flexible methods available. It can be integrated into an application as a hosted DLL or run as a standalone server through a wrapper such as an executable or Windows service.

Overall, StreamInsight is a powerful addition to SQL Server, enabling real-time event processing and analysis. Its ability to handle high volumes of events with low latency makes it a valuable tool for businesses looking to make informed decisions based on real-time data.