What is SQL Server Launchpad Service? – Interview Question of the Week #168

Question: What is SQL Server Launchpad Service?

Answer: Just other days, I received an email which the following image with a question – What is SQL Server Launchpad Service?

I found the question very interesting as I personally had no answer to this question. Yes, I was a bit stumped as I had never explored this area before. I quickly went through MSDN and found my answer. I am sure many of you are like me who know some about SQL Server but may not be sure about every detail.

Well, here is the answer to the original question –

Microsoft has released new service called “SQL Server Launchpad” to start (or launch) Advanced Analytics Extensions processes which are necessary for integration of Microsoft R Open using T-SQL statement.

If we disable this service it will also disable advanced analytics feature of SQL Server.

Additionally, to run the external service you will have to run following script as well.

EXEC sp_configure  'external scripts enabled', 1
RECONFIGURE WITH OVERRIDE
GO

When you restart SQL Server engine services, it will also restart launchpad services as well.

Well, that’s it. I hope it is clear from this example what actually SQL Server Launchpad services to. Let me know if you have any further question by leaving comments.

Reference: Pinal Dave (https://blog.sqlauthority.com)