Azure SQL Managed Instance - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Azure SQL Managed Instance?

Azure SQL Managed Instance is a fully managed SQL Server database engine in the cloud that provides near‑100% compatibility with on‑premises SQL Server, while offering built‑in high availability, security, and scaling.

How does Managed Instance differ from Azure SQL Database?

Managed Instance offers a broader set of SQL Server features (e.g., SQL Agent, Linked Servers, Service Broker) and native VNet integration, making it ideal for lift‑and‑shift migrations. Azure SQL Database is a more lightweight, pure PaaS offering.

Can I use Azure AD authentication?

Yes. Azure AD authentication is fully supported for Managed Instance, allowing both interactive and service‑to‑service logins.

What are the high‑availability options?

Managed Instance includes built‑in automatic failover with a 99.99% SLA. You can also enable zone‑redundant deployments for higher resilience.

How is backup and restore handled?

Automated backups are taken daily with a retention period up to 35 days (configurable). Point‑in‑time restore is available, as well as geo‑restore for disaster recovery.

What performance tiers are available?

Managed Instance offers General Purpose, Business Critical, and Hyperscale tiers, each with distinct compute and storage configurations. You can scale compute and storage independently.

How do I migrate databases to Managed Instance?

Use Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) or backup‑restore with native tools. DMS provides an end‑to‑end migration experience with minimal downtime.

Is there support for SQL Server Agent jobs?

Yes. Managed Instance includes full support for SQL Server Agent, allowing you to schedule jobs, alerts, and maintenance plans just like on‑premises.

What security features are built in?

Managed Instance includes Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), Advanced Threat Protection, Vulnerability Assessment, Row‑Level Security, and integration with Azure Policy and Azure Sentinel.