Azure Documentation

Azure SQL Managed Instance Overview

Azure SQL Managed Instance (MI) delivers a fully managed SQL Server instance in the cloud with native virtual network (VNet) integration, native security, and high compatibility with on‑premises SQL Server.

Key Features

  • Full SQL Server engine compatibility
  • VNet isolation and private endpoint support
  • Automatic patching, backups, and updates
  • Built‑in high availability with up to five minutes of RPO
  • Scalable compute and storage resources
  • Native integration with Azure services like Azure AD, Azure Monitor, and Azure Policy

Benefits

By moving to Managed Instance, organizations can reduce operational overhead, accelerate modernization, and maintain compliance while preserving existing workloads.

Server=tcp:myinstance.public.database.windows.net,1433;Database=MyDB;User ID=myuser@myinstance;Password=********;Encrypt=true;TrustServerCertificate=false;Connection Timeout=30;

Typical Use Cases

  • Lift‑and‑shift migrations from on‑premises SQL Server
  • Hybrid scenarios with Azure and on‑premises resources
  • Development and testing environments with near‑production fidelity
  • Consolidation of multiple SQL instances into a single managed service

Getting Started

  1. Navigate to the Azure portal and create a Managed Instance.
  2. Configure networking (VNet, subnets, private endpoints).
  3. Set admin credentials and define compute/storage tiers.
  4. Deploy databases via backup restore, Data Migration Service, or native import.
  5. Monitor health using Azure Monitor and set up alerts.