SQL Server 2019 builds on intelligent query processing features that were implemented in SQL Server 2017, and expands them to new areas of the database engine.

Microsoft's database releases from 2008 and 2010 reach end of extended support. In response, Redmond says, that for many customers, the time for cloud migration has arrived.

Microsoft announced late last month that it'll be ending support for two SQL Server capabilities, with cloud services and SQL Server 2022 typically proposed as replacements.