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The countdown has begun! I will head to Redmond, Washington for the highly anticipated MVP Summit 2025 in just a few days. As a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP), attending this event is always a highlight of the year. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with Microsoft engineers and fellow MVPs and gain exclusive insights into the future of Microsoft technologies.

The Journey Begins This Saturday

My journey to Redmond kicks off this Saturday, and I have two flights ahead of me before I finally arrive in Seattle. While long flights can be exhausting, the excitement of what’s waiting on the other side makes it all worthwhile. The thought of stepping onto the Microsoft campus, engaging in deep technical discussions, and reconnecting with the global MVP community is enough to keep my energy levels high!

Why the MVP Summit is Special

The MVP Summit isn’t just another conference – it’s an immersive experience where we interact directly with the people who build the technologies we use every day. From deep-dive sessions on Azure and AI to networking with experts from around the world, this event is packed with invaluable learning and collaboration opportunities.

One of the best aspects of the Summit is the NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) content. This means I will get an exclusive look at Microsoft’s upcoming innovations. As someone deeply invested in Azure and AI, I can’t wait to see what’s next and how these advancements will shape the future.

Connecting with the Community

Beyond the technical sessions, one of the things I’m looking forward to the most is meeting fellow MVPs. Many of us interact regularly online, but there’s nothing quite like face-to-face conversations to strengthen our connections. Whether sharing knowledge, discussing best practices, or simply catching up, the MVP Summit is a fantastic opportunity to engage with like-minded professionals who share the same passion for Microsoft technologies.

Preparing for an Incredible Experience

As I prepare for this trip, I’m making sure I have everything in order—packing my gear, reviewing the session schedules, and planning some customer meetings and meetups with other attendees. The next few days will be filled with anticipation, and I can’t wait to share my experiences once I arrive in Redmond.

Stay tuned; I’ll post updates from the Summit experience and share insights from my time at Microsoft headquarters. If you’re also attending, let’s connect!

In an unprecedented stride towards data security and privacy, Microsoft has unveiled the completion of the EU Data Boundary for the Microsoft Cloud. This cutting-edge initiative emphasizes Microsoft’s dedication to empowering European businesses by providing robust tools and support for data residency, privacy, and transparency.

A Beacon of Data Sovereignty in the Cloud Era
With this landmark accomplishment, European public sector and commercial customers can now store and process their data within the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) regions, including pseudonymized personal data. This development includes the most essential Microsoft core cloud services such as Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and a majority of Azure services.
Microsoft’s rigorous commitment to data protection is reflected in this multi-year, industry-leading effort, which was delivered to customers in three meticulously executed phases. Beginning in January 2023 with the enablement of customer data storage for core cloud services, the scope was expanded in January 2024 to include pseudonymized personal data. The journey culminated in February 2025, ensuring that professional services data from technical support interactions are stored within the EU and EFTA regions.

A Testament to Long-standing Commitment
Microsoft’s dedication to Europe’s technological advancement is not newfound; it has been steadfast for over 40 years. In the past 16 months alone, Microsoft has invested over $20 billion in AI and cloud infrastructure across the continent, aiming to expand local options and cater to the growing demand.
Additionally, Microsoft’s suite of solutions, such as Microsoft 365 Advanced Data Residency and Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty, offer customers granular control over their data’s location and empower public sector customers to meet stringent sovereignty, compliance, security, and policy requirements.

A New Horizon for European Innovation
The completion of the EU Data Boundary signifies more than just enhanced data residency and transparency; it embodies Microsoft’s unwavering commitment to Europe’s digital future. By listening to customer needs and evolving beyond compliance, Microsoft positions itself as a pioneer in delivering secure, transparent, and innovative cloud services.

As we look to an increasingly digital era, Microsoft’s dedicated and comprehensive approach is designed to benefit European organizations greatly. Completing the EU Data Boundary ensures that all sensitive and critical data remains securely within the EU and EFTA regions. This means that European companies can now confidently rely on Microsoft’s cloud services, knowing that their data is managed with the highest levels of security and compliance. By localizing data storage and processing, Microsoft adheres to stringent European privacy laws and provides unparalleled peace of mind to businesses concerned about data sovereignty. This, in turn, fosters an environment of trust and reliability, which is essential for any organization looking to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Azure Data Studio (ADS) will be retiring on February 6, 2025. Don’t worry, though. You’ve got until February 28, 2026, to transition smoothly. Microsoft aims to consolidate SQL development tools and deliver a streamlined, innovative experience on Visual Studio Code (VS Code) using the MSSQL extension.

Why Retire Azure Data Studio?

Azure Data Studio has been an essential tool for many, but as developers’ needs evolve, so must the tools we use. Here are the key reasons for this transition:

• Focus on Innovation: VS Code is a widely adopted platform in the developer community, known for its advanced features such as improved query execution and schema management.
• Streamlined Tools: Consolidating SQL development on VS Code means eliminating duplication, reducing maintenance overhead, and accelerating feature delivery, ensuring you always have access to the latest innovations.

Why Move to Visual Studio Code?

VS Code isn’t just another code editor; it’s a modern, versatile platform trusted by millions of developers worldwide. Here’s why moving to VS Code is a win for SQL developers:

• Modern Development Environment: VS Code offers regular updates, an active extension marketplace, and a seamless cross-platform experience for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Comprehensive SQL Features: The MSSQL extension in VS Code allows you to:
• Execute queries faster with filtering, sorting, and export options.
• Manage schemas visually with tools like Table Designer and Object Explorer.
• Connect to SQL Server, Azure SQL, and SQL database in Fabric using an improved Connection Dialog.
• Streamline development with scripting, object modifications, and a unified SQL experience.
• Optimize performance with an enhanced Query Results Pane and execution plans.
• Integrate with DevOps and CI/CD pipelines using SQL Database Projects.

Transitioning to Visual Studio Code: What You Need to Know

Transitioning from Azure Data Studio to Visual Studio Code might sound daunting, but it’s designed to be straightforward:

• No Loss of Functionality: Your database projects, queries, and scripts from ADS are fully compatible with VS Code. You can continue your work seamlessly.
• Familiar Features, Enhanced Experience: VS Code enhances familiar ADS features with improved query execution, modern schema management, and CI/CD integration.
• Cross-Platform and Extensible: VS Code runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, just like ADS, and its extensibility allows you to adapt it to your workflow with thousands of extensions.

Continued Support

Microsoft is supporting you during this transition:

• Documentation: Detailed guides, tutorials, and FAQs are available on the ADS Retirement page.
• Community Support: Engage with the active VS Code community for tips and solutions.
• GitHub Issues: Report bugs or submit requests on the MSSQL extension’s GitHub repository.
• Microsoft Support: For critical issues, reach out to Microsoft Support directly through your account.

Conclusion

Azure Data Studio has served us well, but its retirement marks an opportunity to embrace Visual Studio Code’s modern capabilities.

For a detailed guide on ADS retirement, visit aka.ms/ads-retirement. To get started with the MSSQL extension, check out the official documentation. Let’s dive into this new chapter and see what we can build together with VS Code!

Happy coding! 🚀