: It moved beyond simple data storage to complex ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes and OLAP cubes for deep business intelligence. The Final Chapter: End of Life Like all great software, the era of 2012 had to end. Configuring SQL Server in EC2 - Brent Ozar Unlimited

There is no official "SQL Server 2012 R2." Microsoft released SQL Server 2012 (version 11.x) and SQL Server 2014 (version 12.x). The "R2" designation was used for Windows Server (2008 R2, 2012 R2) but never for SQL Server. This guide covers SQL Server 2012 SP4 (the final, most stable release).

SQL Server 2012 reached the end of its extended support cycle on July 12, 2022 .

CREATE SEQUENCE OrderSeq AS INT START WITH 1 INCREMENT BY 1; SELECT NEXT VALUE FOR OrderSeq;

(Alternative to IDENTITY with more control)