RunAs Radio SQL Server in 2026 with Bob Ward
Mar 11, 2026
Bob Ward, principal architect on SQL Server and long-time author, walks through SQL Server 2025 and what comes next. He highlights built-in AI features like vector search and engine-hosted agents. He describes secure on-prem AI, renewed SSMS with Copilot, developer features such as JSON indexing and regex, Fabric integration, and the next-gen managed instance.
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Copilot Inside SSMS For Contextual Help
- Microsoft added GitHub Copilot into SQL Server Management Studio to provide context-aware diagnostics and coding help tied to your database and server.
- The Copilot integration is server- and database-aware and lets DBAs request contextual help inside SSMS.
Developer Features Expanded In SQL 2025
- SQL 2025 adds major developer features: native JSON storage and indexing, change event streaming, regex support, REST endpoint calls, and larger JSON payloads.
- Examples include a native JSON index, up to 2GB JSON per row, and a system stored procedure to call REST/AI endpoints.
Use Managed Identity Instead Of Keys
- Adopt managed identities and move toward passwordless app authentication for SQL outbound connections and cloud resources.
- SQL 2025 supports managed identity even on-prem via Azure Arc to avoid storing clear-text keys in databases.