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Step 1Open the server Apps tab
Select the tutorial-vps VPS, open the Apps tab, and start a new app deployment. Keep sensitive server details hidden before capturing or sharing screenshots.
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SQL Server 2019
Database2048MB+ RAM
Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Developer Edition
databasesqlmicrosoftenterprise
Deploy SQL Server 2019 in 3 Steps
1
Connect Your VPS
Add your server credentials to Server Compass
2
Select SQL Server 2019
Choose from our template library
3
Deploy & Configure
Fill in settings and click Deploy
No Docker knowledge required
Step-by-step deployment guide
Deploy SQL Server on a VPS with Server Compass
Use the SQL Server template in Server Compass to deploy Microsoft SQL Server 2019 on your VPS, then verify the deployed database with a safe sqlcmd query.
About 10 minutesBrowser verified
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Step 2Choose an app template
Click New App and choose the template deployment path so Server Compass can load the built-in catalog.
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Step 3Search for SQL Server
Use the template picker search to find SQL Server in the Server Compass template catalog.
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Step 4Select the SQL Server template
Choose the SQL Server template. Server Compass fills the SQL Server 2019 container, persistent data volume, host port, EULA setting, Developer edition setting, and generated SA password.
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Step 5Review the SQL Server settings
Confirm the app name and compose service. In this run, the app was named sql-server-demo and used host port 1433.
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Step 6Deploy SQL Server
Review the generated environment values, keep the database password masked, confirm the web port is available, and click Deploy Now.
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Step 7Watch the deployment progress
Keep the deployment modal open while Server Compass uploads the compose file, pulls the SQL Server image, starts the container, and verifies the stack.
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Step 8Confirm SQL Server is running
After deployment finishes, return to the Apps tab and confirm the SQL Server app is marked Running with the database port available.
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Step 9Verify SQL Server is reachable
Open the app detail view and verify the running SQL Server container. In this tutorial run, a safe sqlcmd query was executed inside the container to confirm the server accepts connections without exposing the generated SA password.
After SQL Server 2019 Opens
- Store the generated SA password in a secure password manager.
- Create application-specific SQL logins and databases instead of using the SA account from application code.
- Restrict external access to port 1433 unless remote clients explicitly need it.
- Configure regular backups for the SQL Server data volume before storing production data.
- Review SQL Server licensing and edition requirements before production use.
Verified Result
The SQL Server container returned a successful sqlcmd query result inside the deployed container.
SQL Server 2019 deployment questions
What does the SQL Server template deploy?
It deploys the Microsoft SQL Server 2019 container with Developer edition enabled, a persistent data volume, EULA acceptance, and a generated SA password.
Which port did the tutorial use?
The tutorial used host port 1433, which maps to SQL Server container port 1433.
Why is there no browser verification screenshot?
SQL Server is a database service, not a web application. The tutorial verifies it with a sqlcmd query inside the running container instead of opening a browser page.
Should this become a blog post?
No. The deployment guide should live on the SQL Server template detail page and be linked from the reusable template deployment docs page.
Self-Deploy Guide
DIY SQL Server 2019 Deployment
Learn how to self-host SQL Server 2019 with this hands-on deployment guide.
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SSH into Your Server
Launch your preferred terminal and connect to your VPS using SSH.
terminal
# Log into your server
ssh root@<your-server-ip>
# If using key-based auth
ssh -i ~/.ssh/my-key root@<your-server-ip>First time? Docker not installed? Run: curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh
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Create Working Directory
Prepare a directory for your application files and configuration.
terminal
# Create and navigate to project directory
mkdir -p ~/apps/sql-server
cd ~/apps/sql-server3
Configure Your Containers
Create the Docker Compose configuration file with these contents:
docker-compose.yml
services:
mssql:
image: mcr.microsoft.com/mssql/server:2019-latest
ports:
- "1433:1433"
environment:
- ACCEPT_EULA=Y
- MSSQL_SA_PASSWORD=<your-sa-password>
- MSSQL_PID=Developer
volumes:
- mssql_data:/var/opt/mssql
restart: unless-stopped
volumes:
mssql_data:
Setup Variables
PORTHost port(default: 1433)SA_PASSWORDSA password4
Deploy with Docker Compose
Launch the application stack using Docker Compose.
terminal
# Deploy the application
docker compose up -d
# Check container health
docker compose ps
# Monitor logs
docker compose logs -f --tail=1005
Open Required Ports
Enable external access by opening the necessary port.
terminal
# Allow the application port through firewall
sudo ufw allow 1433/tcp
sudo ufw reload
# Access your app at:
# http://your-server-ip:1433Skip the Terminal
There's an easier way. Meet Server Compass.
Let Server Compass handle the complexity. Deploy SQL Server 2019 with a simple, intuitive interface.
- Intuitive dashboard
- Deploy in 3 minutes
- Free SSL included
- Blue-green deploys
- Real-time logs
- Version history
Download Server Compass$29 one-time • Lifetime license
After Deployment
After deploying SQL Server 2019 with Server Compass, complete these steps to finish setup
1
Connect with sqlcmd or SSMS
2
Create databases and users
3
Set up backups
Need help? Check out our documentation for detailed guides.
SQL Server 2019 FAQ
Common questions about self-hosting SQL Server 2019
How do I deploy SQL Server 2019 with Server Compass?
Simply download Server Compass, connect to your VPS, and select SQL Server 2019 from the templates list. Fill in the required configuration and click Deploy. The entire process takes under 3 minutes.
What are the system requirements for SQL Server 2019?
SQL Server 2019 requires a minimum of 2048MB RAM. We recommend a VPS with at least 4096MB RAM for optimal performance. Any modern Linux server with Docker support will work.
Can I migrate my existing SQL Server 2019 data?
Yes! Server Compass provides volume mapping that allows you to import existing data. You can also use standard SQL Server 2019 backup and restore procedures.
How do I update SQL Server 2019 to the latest version?
Server Compass makes updates easy. Simply click the Update button in your deployment dashboard, and the latest SQL Server 2019 image will be pulled and deployed with zero downtime.
Is SQL Server 2019 free to self-host?
SQL Server 2019 is open-source software. You only pay for your VPS hosting (typically $5-20/month) and optionally Server Compass ($29 one-time). No subscription fees or per-seat pricing.
Ready to Self-Host SQL Server 2019?
Download Server Compass and deploy SQL Server 2019 to your VPS in under 3 minutes. No Docker expertise required.
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