Amazon RDS Custom for SQL Server now retains the same Service Master Key (SMK) throughout the lifespan of the RDS Custom for SQL Server database instance. By retaining the same SMK, your DB instance will be able to seamlessly use objects that are encrypted with the SMK.

With this enhancement, Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), table/column-level encryption, DBMail and linked servers are supported. SSIS support is improved since SSIS packages are restored automatically in situations such as a Multi-AZ failover. RDS Custom for SQL Server is a managed cloud database that provides full administrative access to the operating system and database, and the ability to leverage your own SQL Server license keys. These new capabilities are available in all AWS Regions where RDS Custom for SQL Server is available.

For more details on these new capabilities, read the AWS documentation page or refer to the blogs on TDE, column encryption, linked servers or SSIS support. For complete information on pricing and regional availability, please refer to the Amazon RDS Custom for SQL Server pricing page.