SQL Server 2025 introduces a feature that enables the creation of external model objects, encapsulating the location, authentication method of the AI model inference endpoint. This capability allows you to integrate with AI models deployed with Azure OpenAI through Azure AI Foundry, empowering users to develop cloud-based AI models and leverage them within on-premises SQL Server environments. Such integration bridges the gap between on-premises infrastructure and cloud-based AI advancements, enhancing both accessibility and utility.