Azure SQL Database
Intelligent, scalable, and relational database service built for the cloud.
Overview
Azure SQL Database is a fully managed platform as a service (PaaS) database engine that handles most of the database management functions such as upgrading, patching, backups, and monitoring without user involvement. It's always running on the latest stable version of the SQL Server database engine and patched OS with 99.99% availability. PaaS capabilities that are built into Azure SQL Database enable you to focus on the domain-specific database administration and optimization activities that are critical for your business.
✨ Key Features
- Fully managed service with automated updates, backups, and monitoring
- Serverless compute tier that automatically scales and pauses
- Hyperscale storage tier for very large databases (up to 100TB)
- Built-in intelligence for performance tuning and threat detection
- High availability and disaster recovery with geo-replication
- Advanced security features like data encryption and vulnerability assessment
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Serverless and Hyperscale tiers provide unique scalability options
- Built-in AI-powered features for performance optimization and security
- Deepest integration with the Microsoft data platform and development tools
Unique Value: Provides an 'evergreen' SQL Server engine that is always up-to-date, secure, and intelligent, reducing database management overhead and enabling developers to focus on building applications.
🎯 Use Cases (5)
✅ Best For
- Backend database for enterprise web applications
- Scalable database for multi-tenant SaaS platforms
- Modernizing on-premises SQL Server applications
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- NoSQL or non-relational data (use Azure Cosmos DB)
- Workloads requiring OS-level access or full control over the SQL Server instance (use SQL Server on Azure VM)
🏆 Alternatives
Offers unique, cloud-native scalability features like Hyperscale and Serverless that are not available in other managed SQL Server offerings, along with cost benefits for existing SQL Server customers via Azure Hybrid Benefit.
💻 Platforms
🔌 Integrations
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
- ✓ Live Chat
- ✓ Phone Support
- ✓ Dedicated Support (Professional Direct, Premier tier)
🔒 Compliance & Security
💰 Pricing
✓ 30-day free trial
Free tier: Includes 250 GB of S0 database with 10 database transaction units for 12 months.
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