In today’s business world, entrepreneurial triumph depends more and more on how economically and goal-oriented companies use their business data. In this context, fully managed, flexible and protected database services from the cloud, such as Microsoft’s Microsoft Azure SQL, are becoming increasingly relevant. In contrast to relational database management systems in on-premise areas, cloud databases have the benefit that they are extremely scalable. In addition, they score with automated updates, deployment options, high availability and much more. In our following article we want to give you a brief overview of the many different deployment options and possible uses of Microsoft Azure SQL.
In a business world that is influenced by progressive digitization and technical progress, data is undoubtedly one of the most valuable raw materials of a company. It is therefore not surprising that more and more companies are relying on data-driven applications and business models. On the one hand, they can thereby secure relevant competitive points, increase profits and reduce costs, on the other hand, new data is generated, which again creates value creation potential, which generates fresh data for data-supported business decisions, business agility and innovation – a kind of digital perpetuum mobile.
All-In-One Databases From The Cloud!
With the aim of being able to fully exploit the potential of data, more and more companies are now relying on database services from the cloud, such as Microsoft Azure SQL.
Azure SQL is a family of managed, tested and smart products that are based on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform and SQL Server database technology, high-performance, highly scalable and risk-free SQL cloud databases – and thus everything important for storing relational data.
In contrast to Microsoft SQL servers, Microsoft Azure SQL does not only ensure a consistent and uniform user experience across the entire SQL portfolio. The database service from the cloud also offers a wide range of deployment options, ranging from re-hosting and modernizing existing SQL Server workloads to maturing new cloud applications.
Basically, the query language SQL-Server Transact-SQL acts as a basis.
What Azure SQL Database Services Are There?
There are several deployment options to choose from when creating new databases with Azure SQL, for example:
- Azure SQL database: In the event that only one respective database is required, which is to be managed completely with Azure, the “Azure SQL database” provision option is available. With this deployment option, companies can design both a SQL Server database with a personal resource set and a pool of mobile databases with a shared resource set. However, when creating the database, you must set up an SQL server or use a previously existing server. Azure SQL Databases come in Basic, Standard, and Premium versions.
The smallest basic edition is suitable for databases with up to 2 GB for test purposes. Standard databases offer up to 250 GB large and fast databases.
If you opt for Premium, you can use up to 500 GB, which is provided very efficiently. On top of that, the companies always have the option to switch between the editions.
Azure SQL Database belongs to the Platform as a Service (PaaS) industry category.
- Managed Azure SQL instances: The “Azure SQL Managed Instance” deployment option is available with the aim of making a number of databases available that are to be used for different areas of application. This edition is used multiple times in case local databases of a SQL Server with Microsoft SQL Server need to be migrated to the cloud. The databases made available there are 100% compatible with the on-premises installations of Microsoft SQL Server or applications that require Microsoft SQL Server access. Operations do not need to license any hardware or software when running this Managed Instance. The usage prices are purchased with the subscription model. Only the use of the database needs to be paid for.
Azure SQL Managed Instance belongs to the Platform as a Service (PaaS) industry category.
- Azure SQL Virtual Machines: This deployment option allows SQL servers to run on a fully managed digital machine in Azure. It is a complete Microsoft SQL server that administrators can organize themselves. Basically, this server represents the same installation as when operating your own server in the data network. You can set up your own databases on the server and also manage them. The updates and maintenance of the server are done by the administrators. In addition to the current SQL Server versions 2019 and 2017, servers up to Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 can also be operated in Azure this way. With the Azure Hybrid Benefit for SQL Servers, the rights for on-premises SQL Servers can be applied in Microsoft Azure.
SQL Server on Azure VM belongs to the Infrastructure-as-a-Service, IaaS industry category.
The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Microsoft Azure SQL!
The most significant benefits of Microsoft Azure SQL are that it offers users built-in help for fault tolerance and high availability. In addition, data can be synchronized within the local SQL server and cloud databases.
However, Azure-SQL cloud banking services have the downside that they do not support all T-SQL commands, SQL Server data types such as XML, or features such as cross-database joins, which could increase administrative workload.
The future viability of your company lies in your business data!
Microsoft Azure SQL cloud database services open up numerous advantages for companies. On the one hand, they stand for a consistent and uniform user experience. On the other hand, they are always up-to-date, so that the companies can concentrate completely on their innovations.
The best phase, then, to trigger the full potential of your business data with database services from the cloud – and to ignite the fire of change, transformation and innovation!
