SQL Server 2025 accelerated into one of the most amazing projects I’ve been a part of at Microsoft in my 32-year career. In this chapter, you will learn some fun history of the origins of SQL Server 2025 and how it came to be. You will also get an introduction into SQL Server 2025 and its major new capabilities. As part of the introduction in this chapter, I’ll talk about foundations from past releases, important tools, customer stories, and a new architecture to realize with the modern innovations in SQL Server 2025. I’ll close by giving you additional resources you can use on your journey to make the most of SQL Server 2025. If you want to skip the history of the making of the product, go right to the section titled "Foundations" later in this chapter.