Specifically, Microsoft is formally launching its SQL Server 2017 database software, an Oracle database migration tool, and finally, the ambitious Azure Stack "hybrid" cloud system.

Another key feature in SQL Server 2017 is container support, according to Tony Petrossian, partner group program manager of the Database Systems Group at Microsoft.

Business Intelligence Development Services is a major environment for developing business solutions, which includes projects related to Analysis Services, Integration Services, and Reporting Services.

Lenni Lobel offered a walk through of the SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) built into Visual Studio 2012 and available for free download for users of Visual Studio 2010.