Azure SQL Documentation

Introduction to Azure SQL

Azure SQL is a family of managed, intelligent, and integrated cloud services that provide a robust platform for building and managing your relational databases on Microsoft Azure. It offers a range of options to meet diverse application needs, from single databases to highly scalable solutions and hybrid scenarios.

Leveraging the power of Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL provides enhanced security, scalability, and availability, allowing you to focus on application development rather than infrastructure management.

Key Azure SQL Services

Azure SQL offers several core services, each tailored for different requirements:

• Azure SQL Database: A fully managed Platform as a Service (PaaS) database engine that handles most database management functions like upgrading, patching, and backups without user involvement. Ideal for modern cloud applications.
• Azure SQL Managed Instance: Offers near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, making it the best cloud migration option for desktop applications that require an on-premises SQL Server instance.
• SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines: Provides complete SQL Server functionality on fully managed virtual machines in the cloud. This option gives you maximum control over the operating system and database instance, useful for lift-and-shift scenarios or applications with specific OS-level dependencies.

Benefits of Azure SQL

• Managed Infrastructure: Azure handles patching, backups, high availability, and disaster recovery, reducing your operational overhead.
• Scalability: Easily scale your database resources up or down based on demand, with options for serverless compute.
• Security: Robust built-in security features, including threat detection, transparent data encryption, and network isolation.
• Intelligence: Features like automatic tuning and performance insights help optimize your database performance.
• Hybrid Capabilities: Seamlessly connect and manage data across on-premises and cloud environments.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Pay only for what you use, with various purchasing options and reserved instance discounts.

Getting Started with Azure SQL

To begin using Azure SQL, you'll typically follow these steps:

1. Create an Azure Account: If you don't have one, sign up for a free Azure trial.
2. Choose a Service: Decide which Azure SQL service best fits your application's needs (SQL Database, Managed Instance, or SQL Server on VMs).
3. Provision a Database/Instance: Use the Azure portal, Azure CLI, or PowerShell to create your SQL resource.
4. Connect and Develop: Use your favorite tools, such as SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Azure Data Studio, to connect to your Azure SQL resource and start developing your applications.