SQL Server for Linux is just another example of how Microsoft’s view of competing platforms has changed in recent years. This move would’ve been unthinkable under its former CEO Steve Ballmer.

It was seen as essential that SQL Server on Linux have identical semantics and performance to SQL Server on Windows, right down to the level of database file compatibility.

Other improvements include persistent memory (PMEM) support in SQL Server 2019 for Linux, enabling SQL Server to bypass the file system for files on DAX formatted PMEM volumes. There are new TCP/IP ...