SQL Server 2017 went into general availability today. Today's release is a remarkable step in SQL Server's history, because it's not just a release for Windows.

The new version of Microsoft's popular database software, SQL Server 2016, will be arriving on June 1, the Redmond-based company revealed on Monday.

There's a catch: They have to bring their workloads to the Azure cloud. But for some users, this could be a feasible option. Extended support for SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 is set to end in July ...