postgresql-vs-sql-server

PostgreSQL vs Microsoft SQL Server are both relational databases designed to help businesses store data in a structured manner for querying.  PostgreSQL is an open-source database software, meaning businesses can access its source code for free. Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database software that is most popular with mid-sized and large enterprises.  PostgreSQL is used by businesses of all sizes, though it is more popular with smaller businesses due to its open-source nature. 

Features

PostgreSQL and Microsoft SQL Server both include essential relational database features such as data recovery, but they also have a few standout features that set them apart from each other.

PostgreSQL supports a wide variety of operating systems including Windows, Linux, OS X, and Unix.  Additionally, PostgreSQL is a highly customizable relational database as its open source nature allows skilled development teams to contribute to the code on their own.  Since PostgreSQL is open source, it is also supported by many community developers, so bugs are fixed quickly.

Microsoft SQL Server provides excellent features for Windows ecosystems such as support for C# and Visual Basic.  Additionally, Microsoft SQL Server allows for the automated updating of views as tables change, so users can quickly see the results of data changes.  SQL Server also provides support from the vendor, so businesses that need assistance with implementation may appreciate Microsoft support.

Limitations

PostgreSQL and Microsoft SQL Server both allow for the storage of structured data, but they also have a few limitations that are important to consider.

PostgreSQL supports a wide variety of operating systems, but it doesn’t support languages such as C# and Visual Basic.  Businesses using the Windows operating system and other Microsoft technologies may prefer Microsoft SQL Server.  Additionally, PostgreSQL has a lot of community produced documentation, but since it is open source there is no vendor support. Businesses looking for support from a vendor may prefer proprietary database solutions.

Microsoft SQL Server supports Windows and Linux, but doesn’t have support for other operating systems.  Businesses running servers on OS X and Unix will need to consider other options.  Additionally, While Microsoft SQL Server offers vendor support, it isn’t as customizable as PostgreSQL.  If your organization has niche feature needs and a skilled development team, they can benefit from open source software like PostgreSQL.

Pricing

PostgreSQL is open source, so its source code is available free of charge.  Many third party organizations offer support and hosting for PostgreSQL with pricing dependent on the vendor.

Microsoft SQL Server pricing is dependent on the number of cores and users.  A free version exists for small amounts of data, but business licenses start at $931.00.