SQL Server 2025 and Azure SQL: Vectors, Native AI Models, and Autonomous Agents in SQL Server 2025 Database Introduces VECTOR Data Type with DiskANN Index, the R
Microsoft is integrating advanced AI capabilities directly into SQL Server 2025 and Azure SQL Database, transforming them into first-class AI platforms. Key features include a native VECTOR data type with DiskANN indexing for semantic search and the ability to register external AI models, such as those from Azure OpenAI, as database objects. This allows for native Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) implementations within SQL Server, eliminating the need for separate vector databases and simplifying data management and security. AI
IMPACT Accelerates enterprise adoption of RAG patterns by embedding vector search and LLM integration directly into relational databases.