Microsoft.Data.SqlClient 7.0 Preview: Finally, Azure.Identity is Optional! 🎉

Microsoft.Data.SqlClient 7.0 preview introduces an extension-based architecture that makes Azure.Identity an optional dependency. Previously, all apps using SqlClient pulled in 45+ Azure-related packages even when only connecting to local SQL Server. The new structure splits the core package from a separate Microsoft.Data.SqlClient.Extensions.Azure package, reducing deployment size, build times, and unnecessary security update churn. Migration is straightforward: non-Azure users just upgrade, while Azure AD/Entra ID users add the new extension package. Error messages for missing authentication providers are also improved. The preview is available on NuGet now.