SharePoint must be installed and configured using a SQL Server instance. The version of SQL Server required depends on the version of SharePoint. Many times SharePoint Administrators and SharePoint Developers overlook SQL Server in a SharePoint environment. It is there, it functions, and it’s a black-box to many. SQL Server is essential to a productive SharePoint farm as that’s where 90% of the content, configurations, settings, etc. are stored. Without SQL Server, there is no SharePoint. This guide discusses the recommended procedures and settings for managing SQL Server for SharePoint.