Building Applications with the Modern SQL Using AI and Microsoft Fabric

Devs surely do still love their SQL, but Microsoft executives are touting what they call "modern SQL" for building applications using the latest and greatest data technologies.

So what are those technologies that provide a new take on your beloved and familiar SQL? You start off with, of course, AI, specifically generative AI -- Copilots at Microsoft -- that has transformed software development along with the rest of IT. Then, being firmly in the Microsoft development camp, you add Microsoft Fabric, which is an end-to-end analytics/data platform that encompasses data movement, processing, ingestion, transformation, real-time event routing and report building.

To learn what else you need to do, those same Microsoft executives will explain everything in a keynote session at the upcoming Visual Studio Live! developer conference being held at Microsoft HQ in Redmond, Wash., from Aug. 5-9. Specifically on hand for a keynote titled "Building Applications with the Modern SQL Using AI and Microsoft Fabric" are Asad Khan, Vice President of SQL Products and Services, Microsoft, and Bob Ward, Principal Architect, Microsoft Azure Data, Microsoft.

"We will show practical examples of how to build Generative AI applications with your data securely and at scale," they said of their keynote. "You will also learn how to use Microsoft Copilot experiences to help you build your application, manage your database, and develop SQL queries. You will also learn how to take advantage of the integration of SQL with Microsoft Fabric opening new possibilities for your data in a unified platform for analytics and AI."

We caught up with Asad and Bob to learn more about their keynote, which is scheduled for Aug. 7, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

VSLive! What makes SQL still a beloved tool among developers, even with the advent of more modern data solutions?
Bob: I think first and foremost is that SQL is a platform and a brand you can rely on. SQL Server has been a leading industry database platform for decades including security, performance, and availability for all applications.

Whether you are a startup or a large enterprise you know you can host your data with SQL and then build any application you need using skills and tools that you know and love.

Can you summarize how Microsoft's strategy leverages SQL from ground to cloud to build robust applications?
Asad: Microsoft is a leader in the database industry to allow developers to "build once, deploy anywhere." SQL provides a unique compatible database experience for developers whether it be with Windows, Linux, Containers, Kubernetes, private, or public clouds. Since all of SQL, ground to cloud, is built on the same code base it has a common query processor, a common set of providers, tools like SSMS, and the popular T-SQL language to allow developers to have a robust and consistent experience.

How does the integration of SQL with Microsoft Fabric transform the landscape for analytics and AI projects?
Asad: Microsoft Fabric is becoming the standard for a unified data platform. It brings in so many different services including AI, analytics, data engineering, and data warehousing all under a unified user experience and storage platform called OneLake. Mirroring is a capability that allows you to bring your data from various sources in a seamless manner, including automatic change detection, into OneLake. We are excited SQL is already one of the most popular data sources for mirroring. We are just getting started with the integration between SQL and Microsoft Fabric so stay tuned.

In what ways does Microsoft Copilot streamline the process of building applications, managing databases, and developing SQL queries?
Bob: We are in the "age of Copilots" across many Microsoft products and services. I see people just using Copilots "where they live" and interact with them every day. We have a unique set of Copilot experiences for SQL including contextual aware self-help for time consuming tasks like troubleshooting and the ability to generate complex T-SQL queries using natural language. We are providing industry differentiating experiences that I believe developers and IT Pros will see how much faster they can build applications and manage databases with our Copilot skills. This is just the beginning. You will see us continue to innovate our Copilot experiences for SQL ground to cloud.

What is one practical example you will use to show how devs can build Generative AI applications with data securely and at scale?
Bob: For me it is hybrid search. You have a new "smarter and intelligent" search inside the SQL engine by combing vector data (embeddings), vector search, and the power of the SQL query processor. SQL provides methods inside the database to interact with language models in a new way for better searching using natural language. If you combine this with our new JSON data type and Regular Expression (RegEx) capabilities using T-SQL, developers can now "get smarter with their data" using the familiar skills of SQL they have known for years.

What do you hope people will take away from your keynote?
Asad: One of the big takeaways is that along with SQL's traditional strength, we believe SQL is a modern data solution for developers. Consider that SQL allows you to build any application you need with capabilities all built into the database with features like JSON, Graph, Spatial, Columnstore, and Ledger that normally require you to purchase multiple products that don't integrate with each other. Combine this now with GenAI, Microsoft Fabric, and developer interfaces like GraphQL, all within the security boundary of the engine, SQL is poised to be your modern database for the future.

Note: Those wishing to attend the conference can save hundreds of dollars by registering early, according to the event's pricing page. "Register for VSLive! at Microsoft HQ by the Early Bird deadline of July 12 to save up to $300 and secure your seat for intensive developer training at Microsoft HQ in Redmond!" said the organizer of the developer conference.

Posted by David Ramel on 07/08/2024