SQL Server 2025 integrates native AI with vector data types and external model support

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.

RANK_REASON This is a significant product update from a major vendor integrating core AI capabilities into a widely used database system. [lever_c_demoted from significant: ic=1 ai=0.7]

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• Azure OpenAI
• DiskANN
• GitHub Copilot
• Microsoft
• Azure SQL Database
• Ollama
• SQL Server 2025
• text-embedding-3-large
• text-embedding-ada-002

• product
• model release

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