The difference between GETDATE() and GETUTCDATE() is time zone number of the SQL Server machine. The tutorial exercise below gives you a good example:
DECLARE @local_time DATETIME;
DECLARE @gmt_time DATETIME;
SET @local_time = GETDATE();
SET @gmt_time = GETUTCDATE();
SELECT 'Server local time: '
+ CONVERT(VARCHAR(40),@local_time);
SELECT 'Server GMT time: '
+ CONVERT(VARCHAR(40),@gmt_time);
SELECT 'Server time zone: '
+ CONVERT(VARCHAR(40),
DATEDIFF(hour,@gmt_time,@local_time));
GO
Server local time: Jun 2 2007 10:06PM
Server GMT time: Jun 2 2007 4:21PM
Server time zone: 6
Note that the local time is from SQL server machine, not your local machine if you are connected to the server remotely. The local time is also adjusted by day-light savings.
