Microsoft SQL Server

Enterprise relational database tightly coupled to the Microsoft stack. On-prem and Azure SQL variants; high capability and high lock-in.

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Proprietary · https://www.microsoft.com/sql-server

Databases

SQL Server self-hosted

Hosting: Self-hosted

Licensing and Windows/Azure gravity dominate TCO and exit planning.

Fair 1.7 Easy 3.3 Secure 3.0

Pillar	Criterion	Score	Evidence
Easy	Day-one UX Can non-technical staff use it without a project?	3	Typical onboarding for this product category. Source
Easy	Operate Admin burden, updates, backups and language coverage.	3	You handle updates, backups and scaling. Source
Easy	Integrate SSO, mail/CalDAV, APIs and common NGO connectors.	4	Integrations vary; check current APIs and connectors. Source
Fair	Lock-in / exit Can you leave with your data in open formats, at known cost?	2	Self-host keeps data and exit paths under your control. Source
Fair	Sovereignty EU legal entity, EU hosting, and exposure to extra-EU lawful access?	2	Non-EU or special jurisdiction — verify hosting and lawful-access exposure. Source
Fair	Openness Open source or open standards? Are independent implementations possible?	1	Proprietary product. Source
Secure	IT security Authentication, encryption, patch cadence and independent audit.	4	Security baseline depends on vendor posture and your configuration. Source
Secure	User security 2FA, roles, phishing resistance and safe defaults.	3	Account roles and MFA availability vary by plan. Source
Secure	Personal data GDPR fit: DPA, residency, sub-processors and Schrems II posture.	2	Review DPA, residency and subprocessors carefully. Source