The JSON data type in SQL Server is a powerful tool for handling structured data. It allows you to store and query data in a format similar to JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). This is beneficial for storing data that has a complex structure, such as nested objects or arrays. Unlike traditional SQL data types, JSON allows you to represent data in a flexible format, making it suitable for storing diverse data types within a single column. This flexibility is particularly useful for applications that need to store and retrieve data in a format that closely resembles the way it's used in other parts of the application. For example, you might use JSON to store customer order details, product specifications, or even entire configurations. SQL Server's JSON support enables you to query and manipulate this data using SQL commands, providing a seamless integration with your existing database operations.