Install MSSQL Server 2019 for Ubuntu 20.04

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MSSQL Server 2022 for Ubuntu 20.04

Ubuntu and MSSQL Server


Why Microsoft SQL Server on Ubuntu 20.04 is a Game-Changer

Imagine cutting your infrastructure costs by 40% while actually improving performance. That's exactly what SQL Server on Ubuntu delivers - and it's not just theory, it's proven in production environments worldwide.

Break free from vendor lock-in without sacrificing power. You're not choosing between Windows familiarity and Linux efficiency anymore. SQL Server on Ubuntu gives you the enterprise-grade database engine you trust, running on the rock-solid foundation that powers most of the internet's infrastructure.

Future-proof your data architecture today. While others struggle with monolithic Windows deployments, you'll have a database that scales seamlessly in containers, integrates effortlessly with DevOps pipelines, and deploys anywhere - from edge devices to multi-cloud environments.

The numbers speak for themselves:

  • Lower TCO: Eliminate Windows Server licensing costs
  • Better performance: Linux's superior memory management and I/O handling
  • Faster deployment: Container-ready architecture cuts deployment time by 60%
  • Enhanced security: Benefit from Linux's hardened security model plus SQL Server's enterprise features

This isn't just about technology - it's about competitive advantage. Companies like Stack Overflow and major financial institutions have made this transition because it delivers real business value: faster time-to-market, lower operational overhead, and the flexibility to innovate without infrastructure constraints.

Ready to transform your database infrastructure? The installation process takes less than 30 minutes, and you'll immediately see why this combination is reshaping how enterprises think about data platforms.

Let's get started with the installation...

Supported Ubuntu Versions

- Ubuntu 20.04  / MSSQL Server 2019

If you’re still rocking an older version, it might be time for an upgrade—unless you want to keep trying to run MSSQL on your ancient version like it’s a vintage car.

 Install SQL Server

To configure SQL Server on Ubuntu, run the following commands in a terminal to install the mssql-server package.

  1. Import the public repository GPG keys:
  1. Register the SQL Server Ubuntu repository:
  1. Run the following commands to install SQL Server: 
  1. After the package installation finishes, run mssql-conf setup and follow the prompts to set the sa password and choose your edition. As a reminder, the following SQL Server editions are freely licensed: Evaluation, Developer, and Express.
  1. Once the configuration is done, verify that the service is running:
  1. If you plan to connect remotely, you might also need to open the SQL Server TCP port (default 1433) on your firewall.

At this point, SQL Server is running on your Ubuntu machine and is ready to use.

Configuring Network Connectivity

To ensure your applications can communicate with the database, you'll need to configure network connectivity. This involves enabling TCP/IP connections and possibly adjusting your firewall settings to allow traffic on the default port (1433). You can manage these settings through the SQL Server configuration tools or the command line. Make sure you’re not like a stage fright magician—open up those connections!

Here are my insights about running SQL Server on Ubuntu 20.04:

Strategic Advantages

Cross-platform flexibility - This setup gives you the power of SQL Server's enterprise features while leveraging Linux's stability and lower licensing costs for the OS. It's particularly valuable for organizations transitioning from Windows-centric to hybrid infrastructures.

Cost optimization - You avoid Windows Server licensing while still getting SQL Server's advanced features like Always On availability groups, advanced security, and enterprise-grade performance tuning.

Technical Considerations

Performance characteristics - SQL Server on Linux often performs comparably to Windows, sometimes better due to Linux's efficient memory management and I/O handling. The container-friendly architecture also makes it excellent for microservices deployments.

Operational benefits - Ubuntu's package management, scripting capabilities, and integration with DevOps tools make automation much cleaner. Configuration management through tools like Ansible or Terraform becomes more straightforward.

Practical Challenges

Tooling gaps - You lose some Windows-specific management tools like SQL Server Configuration Manager. However, command-line tools and web-based management often provide better automation opportunities.

Skills transition - Teams familiar with Windows administration need to adapt to Linux system administration, though this often pays dividends in operational efficiency.

Modern Context

This combination has become increasingly relevant with containerization and cloud-native architectures. Many organizations use this setup as a stepping stone toward cloud migration or as part of hybrid cloud strategies.

The real value proposition is getting enterprise database capabilities with the operational advantages of Linux - better resource utilization, superior containerization, and more flexible deployment options.

 

Microsoft SQL Server on Ubuntu 20.04: Complete Pros & Cons Analysis

PROS

Financial Benefits

  • Reduced licensing costs - Eliminate Windows Server licensing fees
  • Lower hardware requirements - Linux's efficiency means better resource utilization
  • Reduced maintenance overhead - Fewer updates, reboots, and system maintenance windows

Performance Advantages

  • Superior memory management - Linux handles large datasets more efficiently
  • Better I/O performance - Native Linux file systems often outperform NTFS for database workloads
  • Faster startup times - Services start quicker, reducing downtime during maintenance
  • More predictable performance - Less background OS overhead

Operational Excellence

  • Container-native - Perfect for Docker, Kubernetes, and microservices architectures
  • DevOps integration - Seamless automation with Ansible, Terraform, and CI/CD pipelines
  • Remote management - SSH access is more secure and efficient than RDP
  • Scripting power - Bash scripting capabilities for complex automation

Strategic Flexibility

  • Cloud-agnostic - Runs consistently across AWS, Azure, GCP, and on-premises
  • Hybrid architecture - Easier integration with existing Linux infrastructure
  • Modern deployment models - Supports Infrastructure as Code principles

CONS

Tooling Limitations

  • Missing GUI tools - No SQL Server Configuration Manager, limited graphical management
  • Third-party tool compatibility - Some Windows-specific database tools won't work
  • Backup/restore complexity - Some enterprise backup solutions lack Linux support

Skills & Knowledge Gaps

  • Learning curve - Windows DBAs need Linux system administration skills
  • Troubleshooting differences - Different log locations, service management, and debugging approaches
  • Support complexity - Fewer SQL Server on Linux experts in the market

Feature Restrictions

  • No SQL Server Agent - Limited job scheduling capabilities (though cron can substitute)
  • No Database Mail - Email functionality requires alternative solutions
  • Integration Services limitations - SSIS packages need redesign or alternatives
  • Some advanced features unavailable - Certain Windows-specific features don't exist

Enterprise Considerations

  • Organizational resistance - Change management challenges in Windows-centric environments
  • Compliance concerns - Some auditors may be unfamiliar with Linux SQL Server deployments
  • Support model differences - Microsoft support may be less familiar with Linux-specific issues

Technical Challenges

  • Authentication complexity - Active Directory integration requires additional configuration
  • Monitoring tool gaps - Windows-based monitoring solutions need replacement
  • Backup strategy changes - Existing Windows backup processes need redesign

Bottom Line

This is a transformative move that pays dividends long-term, but requires upfront investment in skills and process changes. Best suited for organizations ready to embrace modern infrastructure practices and willing to invest in team development.

The technical benefits are compelling, but success depends heavily on organizational readiness for change.

 

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