Advantages of Microsoft SQL Server:

* High Speed:
SQL Queries can be used to retrieve large amounts of records from a database quickly and efficiently.

* Well Defined Standards Exist:
SQL databases use long-established standard,which is being adopted by ANSI & ISO. Non-SQL databases do not adhere to any clear standard.

* No Coding Required:
Using standard SQL it is easier to manage database systems without having to write substantial amount of code.

* Emergence of ORDBMS:
Previously SQL databases were synonymous with relational database. With the emergence of Object Oriented DBMS, object storage capabilities are extended to relational databases.

Disadvantages of Microsoft SQL Server:

* Difficulty in Interfacing:
Interfacing an SQL database is more complex than adding a few lines of code.

* More Features Implemented in Proprietary way:
Although SQL databases conform to ANSI & ISO standards, some databases go for proprietary extensions to standard SQL to ensure vendor lock-in.