Microsoft announces suspending the SQL Server on the Windows Containers Beta program and recommends using SQL Server on Linux containers instead.
Microsoft launched the SQL Server on Windows Containers Beta program back in 2017. Essentially, the tool enabled developers to connect to SQL Server instances from both inside and outside the container.
In turn, developers could facilitate the set-up process and maximize the density of instances for development and test purposes. Another significant benefit included isolating and governing applications in a multi-tenant environment.
Update- Beta program for SQL Server on Windows container is suspended. https://t.co/FsKq6ugPAK #AzureSQL
— Azure SQL (@AzureSQL) July 5, 2021
In a brief blog post, Microsoft has explained the reasons for such actions.
Amit Khandelwal, who serves the role of Senior Program Manager, had this to say:
Due to the existing ecosystem challenges and usage patterns, we have decided to suspend the SQL Server on Windows Containers beta program for the foreseeable future. Should the circumstances change, we will revisit the decision at an appropriate time and make a relevant announcement
.
In other words, the company most probably lacked the needed customer demand to warrant continued support. Furthermore, they clearly stated that they have no plans regarding this initiative. Instead, they will inform the public as they gather data and decide upon this issue.
Khandelwal further added:
SQL Server on Linux containers continue to be supported for production environment. This announcement only affects SQL Server on Windows container that was in Beta mode until now
.
As the SQL Server on Windows Containers never managed to ditch its “beta” tag, users could never use it for production. In turn, this announcement will still irk developers who invested time in building apps that use this capability and those who utilized it in production environments.
At last, Microsoft stated that it would soon delete the SQL Server Express and Developer for Windows Containers Docker repositories. In turn, users will no longer be able to download the tags in these repositories or the Docker images.
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