Data Virtualization with PolyBase for SQL Server 2025

Building upon the innovations introduced in SQL Server 2022, SQL Server 2025 enhances Data Virtualization by prioritizing usability, strengthening security with expanded authentication options, and providing improved support for Linux environments.

Key Features

• Native Support for Parquet, CSV, and Delta: The SQL engine now offers built-in capabilities to query data files such as CSV, Parquet, and Delta, eliminating the need for the optional “PolyBase Query Service for External Data” installation. PolyBase services are required solely when querying external databases. 
• Support for TDS 8: PolyBase in SQL Server 2025 includes support for TDS 8 for connections between SQL Server instances.
• Managed Identity Support for Arc-enabled SQL Server: With Arc-enabled SQL Server 2025, Managed Identity is now available for use with PolyBase, providing secure connections to Azure Storage Accounts.
• ODBC Support for Linux: PolyBase on SQL Server 2025 for Linux now supports ODBC data sources, matching Windows functionality.

Use Cases

• Business Insights: Access and analyze distributed data across diverse sources without moving it, enabling faster business intelligence, and reporting.
• Azure Integration: Seamlessly connect to Azure Storage Accounts, leveraging managed identities for secure cloud access and hybrid scenarios.
• Data Tiering: Offload cold or infrequently accessed data to external storage like Azure, reducing storage costs while keeping the data available for queries.
• Simplified ETL and Data Exploration: Streamline Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) and reverse-ETL processes by natively supporting common data formats such as CSV, Parquet, and Delta.
• Cross-platform Data Access: Achieve parity and flexibility by connecting to ODBC data sources on both Windows and Linux environments.
• Enhanced Security and Compliance: Strengthen data protection using TDS 8 and managed identities, ensuring secure access to external data.

Getting Started

SQL Server 2025’s makes data virtualization easier and safer than ever, get started today downloading: SQL Server 2025 Preview Trial

To know more about Data Virtualization improvements check, Introducing Data Virtualization with PolyBase - SQL Server | Microsoft Learn