Microsoft SQL Server (MS-SQL), a cornerstone in the database management realm, traces its roots back to the early 1980s. The project's origins lie in the collaborative efforts of Microsoft and Sybase, where engineers such as Jim Gray, an esteemed computer scientist, played a pivotal role in the development of the original SQL Server.

Jim Gray's academic contributions, including his work on transactions and database systems, significantly influenced the theoretical underpinnings of MS-SQL. His research laid the groundwork for key concepts in transaction management, data integrity, and distributed databases, shaping the landscape of relational database systems.

The release of SQL Server 1.0 in 1989 marked the first standalone version, and subsequent iterations benefited from the collaboration of notable figures like Donald Chamberlin. Chamberlin, co-creator of SQL, brought his expertise in database query languages to enhance SQL Server's capabilities, contributing to the evolution of the T-SQL (Transact-SQL) language, which remains integral to MS-SQL today.

As MS-SQL continued to evolve, David DeWitt, a computer scientist renowned for his work on parallel database systems, made substantial contributions. DeWitt's research on database architectures and query optimization influenced the development of MS-SQL's underlying engine, enhancing its performance and scalability.

In the academic sphere, Michael Stonebraker, a Turing Award recipient, made significant contributions to the field of database systems. While Stonebraker was not directly involved in MS-SQL, his work on Ingres, PostgreSQL, and other database systems laid the groundwork for advancements in relational database management, indirectly influencing the broader database landscape in which MS-SQL thrives.

MS-SQL's journey also includes the contributions of Microsoft's internal teams, with engineers like Kalen Delaney playing a crucial role. Delaney, a Microsoft Certified Master for SQL Server, has authored books and educational materials, providing valuable insights into MS-SQL's inner workings and best practices.

The theoretical foundations of MS-SQL align with relational database principles, emphasizing the importance of data integrity, normalization, and the Structured Query Language (SQL). The framework draws inspiration from Edgar F. Codd's relational model, a cornerstone in database theory.

As developers engage with MS-SQL, they navigate a rich history shaped by both academic luminaries and industry experts. The fusion of theoretical concepts and practical implementations underscores the resilience and adaptability of MS-SQL, making it a go-to choice for businesses and developers seeking robust and scalable database solutions.