Azure SQL Managed Instance Documentation

Introduction to Azure SQL Managed Instance

Azure SQL Managed Instance is a fully managed cloud database service that provides near 100% compatibility with the latest on-premises SQL Server Enterprise Edition. It's designed for customers looking to migrate their existing SQL Server databases to the cloud without needing to rearchitect their applications.

This service offers the broadest SQL Server compatibility, enabling seamless migration of existing applications with minimal changes. It provides the benefits of a managed service, such as automatic patching, backups, and high availability, while retaining control over your SQL Server instances.

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • SQL Server Compatibility: Full support for SQL Server features, T-SQL, system stored procedures, and agent jobs.
  • Managed Service: Microsoft handles infrastructure, patching, backups, high availability, and disaster recovery.
  • Network Isolation: Deployed within your Azure Virtual Network (VNet), providing private network connectivity and enhanced security.
  • Hybrid Cloud Support: Enables hybrid scenarios, allowing you to connect your on-premises resources to Azure SQL Managed Instance.

Performance and Scalability

  • Purchasing Models: Available in General Purpose and Business Critical service tiers, offering different levels of performance, storage, and availability.
  • Scalable Resources: Easily scale compute and storage resources up or down as your needs change.
  • Built-in High Availability: Business Critical tier offers integrated, highly available solutions.

Security and Compliance

  • Advanced Security: Features like Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), Always Encrypted, and threat detection.
  • Network Security: Integration with Azure VNet security features, including Network Security Groups (NSGs) and firewalls.
  • Compliance Certifications: Meets a wide range of industry compliance standards.

Getting Started with Azure SQL Managed Instance

Migrating to Azure SQL Managed Instance can be achieved using various tools and methods:

  • Azure Data Migration Service (DMS): A robust service for online and offline migrations.
  • SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): Use backup and restore operations for simpler migrations.
  • Transactional Replication: Suitable for minimal downtime migrations.

Deployment Steps (High-Level)

  1. Create a Virtual Network: Ensure you have a dedicated VNet with appropriate subnet configurations.
  2. Deploy Managed Instance: Provision a new managed instance within your VNet.
  3. Configure Connectivity: Set up connectivity from your applications or on-premises environment.
  4. Migrate Databases: Use your chosen migration tool to move your data.

Note: Thorough planning and testing are crucial for a successful migration. Consult the official Azure documentation for detailed deployment guides and best practices.

Common Use Cases

  • Application Modernization: Migrating existing on-premises applications to a cloud-managed database without significant code changes.
  • Disaster Recovery: Establishing a highly available and resilient database infrastructure in Azure.
  • Lift-and-Shift Migrations: Moving SQL Server workloads to the cloud to reduce infrastructure management overhead.
  • Hybrid Cloud Strategies: Maintaining a seamless connection between on-premises and cloud resources.

Management and Operations

Azure SQL Managed Instance simplifies database administration by automating many routine tasks. Key management aspects include:

  • Automated Backups: Regular, automatic backups with configurable retention policies.
  • Automated Patching: Microsoft manages operating system and SQL Server patching.
  • High Availability: Built-in features for ensuring continuous availability.
  • Monitoring: Integration with Azure Monitor for performance and health tracking.
  • Performance Tuning: Tools like Query Store and Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) are available.

You can manage your instance using familiar tools such as SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), Azure Data Studio, and Azure Portal.

Pricing

Pricing for Azure SQL Managed Instance is based on several factors:

  • Service Tier: General Purpose vs. Business Critical.
  • Compute: vCores allocated.
  • Storage: Amount of storage provisioned.
  • Reservation Options: Reserved capacity for cost savings.

For detailed and up-to-date pricing information, please refer to the official Azure SQL Managed Instance pricing page.

Comparisons

Azure SQL Managed Instance offers a unique position between Azure SQL Database and SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines:

  • vs. Azure SQL Database: SQL Managed Instance provides greater compatibility with SQL Server features and allows for instance-level configurations, making it ideal for migrating existing applications. Azure SQL Database is a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offering optimized for modern cloud applications with fewer on-premises dependencies.
  • vs. SQL Server on Azure VMs: SQL Managed Instance is a fully managed service, abstracting away much of the infrastructure management. SQL Server on Azure VMs gives you full control over the OS and SQL Server installation, but requires you to manage patching, backups, and high availability yourself.