SQL (Structured Query Language) is only one among a host of other computer programming languages and systems that might be floating around in your “thought bubble.” In fact, SQL, is one of the most important component of a well equipped programming arsenal for your Business.

SQL’s main advantages over its predecessors were the ability to access multiple records by a single command and the elimination of any need to specify how (with/without index) to access those records. Since 1987, it has been the ISO standard, and it has only grown in features and in importance since then.

To dig into which version of SQL to potentially invest in, or specifically about SQL Server Express (which is free), click on the link. For some ways that SQL in general can benefit your business, read on.

The Business Value of SQL

An SQL server of some kind is invaluable to most businesses: to anyone with both a website and one or more databases. The SQL will optimize your search ability and results. It will improve both your access and safe, organized storage of important information.

In computer programming (and SQL) “lingo,” a distinction is often made between “data” and “information.” Data refers to a smaller bit of isolated facts, such as that a customer has been with you for 10 years or that he/she last made a purchase from your company three months ago. Information refers to more complex, contextualized facts, such as that a long-time customer’s purchases usually occur once per month but now suddenly haven’t occurred for three months in a row.

An SQL database essentially gives you the ability to create and access this kind of “information” so you can quickly detect patterns and problems, thus allowing you to react appropriately at the opportune time.

SQL Selection and Implementation

The enhanced data/information storage, retrieval, and manipulation of SQL and the way it relates data from your website to your other databases gives you an edge in knowing how to handle customer relations and how to better promote your products/services.

However, there are many different levels of SQL, and only the first level (SQL Server Express) is free. Plus, SQL code can require tweaking (slight adjustments) to make it fully portable between certain types of database systems. And finally, knowing how to set up your SQL, integrate it optimally with your other systems, get the most out of its functions, and practice good SQL database security, require some expertise.

Thus, you need some knowledgeable in-house IT staff to help implement your SQL, a little intense education on the matter so you can do it DIY, or some professional SQL consulting services.

That said, SQL is an indispensable tool for most modern business types. Those of small to moderate size can often get by with the free version since it includes many of the same features as the higher-tier models; but “how much SQL” you need will depend on your databases and volume more than anything, so this can vary.

Anyone looking to optimize business information systems so as to better understand why or why not their business is growing at any given moment should not neglect acquiring some form of SQL server.

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