Sage CRM 2026 R1 introduces support for Microsoft SQL Server 2025 (Enterprise, Standard and Express editions).
This ensures that customers can adopt Microsoft’s latest database platform and benefit from ongoing innovation in performance, security and scalability.
Key Benefits of SQL Server 2025
Adopting SQL Server 2025 brings several important advantages:
- Enhanced performance and scalability
Improved query processing and resource management support larger datasets and more demanding workloads. - Improved security features
Continued enhancements to encryption, authentication and threat detection help protect sensitive business data. - Modern platform alignment
Ensures compatibility with the latest Microsoft ecosystem, including Azure-connected services and Microsoft 365 integrations. - Future readiness
SQL Server 2025 is Microsoft’s latest “AI-enabled” database platform, positioning Sage CRM environments for future innovation and advanced analytics capabilities. - Ongoing support and updates
Staying on a current SQL Server version ensures access to Microsoft’s latest cumulative updates, fixes and security patches.
Important Considerations: SQL Server 2025 Express
SQL Server 2025 Express is supported for smaller deployments, but it is important to understand its limitations.
For very small implementations, SQL Server 2025 Express may be appropriate. However:
- Sage does not recommend its use for systems exceeding 5 Sage CRM users
- The maximum memory per database engine instance is 1 GB
- The maximum relational database size is 50 GB
While the increased database size limit provides more storage capacity than earlier versions, the memory constraints can impact performance as system usage grows.
For most production environments, Sage recommends using SQL Server Standard or Enterprise editions.
Continued Support for SQL Server 2022
Sage CRM 2026 R1 also maintains support for:
- Microsoft SQL Server 2022 (Enterprise, Standard and Express)
- Latest cumulative updates
This ensures that customers already running SQL Server 2022 can continue to operate without disruption while benefiting from ongoing Microsoft updates.
Retired Support
As part of the move to modern platforms:
- Microsoft SQL Server 2019 (Enterprise, Standard and Express) is no longer supported in Sage CRM 2026 R1
Note: Customers using SQL Server 2019 should refer to the article: "Sage CRM 2026 R1: Planning your upgrade ".
What This Means for You
These updates ensure that Sage CRM remains aligned with modern database platforms and continues to deliver a secure, high-performance foundation for your business.
- More secure with support for the latest Microsoft security standards
- More scalable to support growing data volumes and user demands
- More future-ready with alignment to Microsoft’s latest technology roadmap