Azure SQL: Modernize Your SQL Server Workloads With Built-In Scale, Security, and Savings
As organizations modernize their data platforms, Azure SQL provides a fast path to the cloud while allowing teams to keep their familiar SQL Server expertise. Azure SQL is a family of fully managed services that lets you run SQL where and how you need it without the overhead of patching, backups, or many of the day-to-day administrative tasks. With built-in intelligence, scalability, and security, Azure SQL helps teams simplify operations and deliver reliable performance for both modern and legacy applications.
What Is Azure SQL
Azure SQL is a family of cloud-based SQL services that offer flexibility and control depending on your workload needs. It includes three main options.
Azure SQL Database
A fully managed platform as a service database built for cloud-first applications. It offers automated backups, high availability, elastic scale, and intelligent performance features that reduce operational effort.
Azure SQL Managed Instance
A service that delivers almost complete SQL Server compatibility, making it ideal for lift and shift migrations without major redesign. It combines the familiarity of SQL Server with the convenience of a fully managed service.
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
An infrastructure as a service option that provides full operating system-level control. It is ideal for workloads that require specific SQL Server features or custom configurations while still benefiting from Azure infrastructure.
Why Teams Choose Azure SQL
Reduced Operations Overhead
Azure SQL handles patching updates and backups automatically. Features like point-in-time restore and optional long-term retention help ensure business continuity with minimal intervention.
High Availability and Resilience
Built-in high availability zone redundancy and geo replication support strong continuity and disaster recovery strategies.
Security by Design
Azure SQL includes encryption in transit and at rest, Always Encrypted Row Level Security, Dynamic Data Masking, Microsoft Entra ID integration, auditing, and Microsoft Defender for SQL for advanced threat protection.
Performance and Scale
Azure SQL supports intelligent query processing, automatic tuning, elastic pools, serverless compute, and Hyperscale storage, allowing applications to grow seamlessly without manual tuning.
Cost Optimization
With pay-as-you-go pricing, serverless compute auto pause, and auto scale, Azure SQL makes it easier to control costs. Teams can also use Azure Hybrid Benefit to reduce licensing expenses when migrating existing SQL Server workloads.
Developer Friendly Experience
Azure SQL provides full T-SQL support as well as modern features like JSON, in-memory OLTP, and temporal tables. It integrates easily with Azure Monitor, GitHub, and DevOps pipelines.
Common Use Cases
Azure SQL supports a wide range of business needs, such as:
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Modernizing on-premises SQL Server applications through Managed Instance with minimal code changes
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Building scalable cloud native applications using SQL Database with serverless compute or elastic pools
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Powering mission-critical transactional systems that require strong performance and high availability
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Enabling hybrid cloud and phased migrations with the help of the Data Migration Assistant and Azure Database Migration Service
Getting Started Tips
Teams planning to adopt Azure SQL typically follow several important steps.
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Assess existing SQL Server workloads using Data Migration Assistant to identify compatibility gaps
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Select the right Azure SQL option based on security requirements, performance needs, and level of control
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Design security and networking early, including private endpoints role role-based access control, and compliance needs
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Enable Query Store automatic tuning and monitoring through Azure Monitor and Log Analytics to optimize continuously
Level Up With Our Official DP 300 Course
Course DP 300T00 Administering Microsoft Azure SQL Solutions
This Microsoft Official Course helps teams build the practical and administrative skills needed to deploy and optimize Azure SQL environments.
Who Should Attend
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DBAs, data engineers, and IT pros administering SQL Server or Azure SQL
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Teams planning or operating SQL workloads in Azure
You Will Learn To
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Plan and deploy Azure SQL Database, Managed Instance, and SQL on Azure VMs
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Secure databases with Microsoft Entra ID, auditing, and advanced data protection
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Configure HA/DR, backups, PITR, and long-term retention
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Monitor performance and troubleshoot using Query Store, Extended Events, and Azure Monitor
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Optimize workloads with Intelligent Query Processing and automatic tuning
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Automate and manage at scale with PowerShell, Azure CLI, and policy
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Migrate on-premises SQL to Azure using DMA and Azure Database Migration Service
Take the next step in mastering Azure SQL by building real-world skills through DP 300T00 Administering Microsoft Azure SQL.