<ul><li>SQL Server 2025 introduces a new compression algorithm for backups called ZSTD, alongside existing solutions MS_XPRESS and QAT.</li><li>Tests were conducted using a virtual machine with Windows Server 2022 Datacenter and SQL Server 2025 Standard Developer for comparing MS_XPRESS and ZSTD.</li><li>ZSTD can be implemented in SQL backup commands or changed at the instance level to enhance backup performance and reduce CPU load.</li><li>Comparative analysis revealed that ZSTD offers faster backup creation, lower CPU load due to quicker backups, and reduced backup size, indicating its potential benefits.</li></ul>

SQL Server 2025 – ZSTD – A new compression algorithm for backups

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