Azure SQL Managed Instance
Azure SQL Managed Instance is a powerful blend of the feature-rich capabilities of an on-premises SQL Server and the operational efficiency and PaaS benefits of Azure. It’s a fully man-aged service that provides near-complete SQL Server compatibility and native virtual network support. This means you can migrate your on-premises SQL Server databases to Azure without altering the application code, making it an ideal solution for enterprises looking to move to the cloud while avoiding the complexity of refactoring their applications. Managed Instance comes
48 CHAPTER 2 Identify considerations for relational data on Azure
with the luxury of automated patching, backups, and maintenance, plus built-in features such as threat detection and performance tuning. The service operates within Azure Virtual Net-work, which provides an additional layer of isolation and security, ensuring that your databases are not exposed to the public internet. For organizations with extensive use of SQL Server features such as SQL Agent jobs, Service Broker, or the Common Language Runtime (CLR), Azure SQL Managed Instance offers a seamless migration pathway with minimal downtime and maximum data retention.
SQL Server on Azure VMs
SQL Server on Azure VMs represents the IaaS side of Azure’s database offerings, giving you full control over both the SQL Server instance and the virtual machine it runs on. This service is tailored for scenarios where specific SQL Server features or configurations are required, such as legacy applications that depend on a particular SQL Server version or need the database server within a Windows or Linux environment. With SQL Server on Azure VMs, you can replicate the on-premises experience in the cloud while also benefiting from Azure’s built-in features such as automated backups, scalable storage, and robust networking capabilities. The choice of VM size, storage type, and SQL Server edition is in your hands, offering a high degree of custom-ization. Additionally, you can take advantage of Azure’s security and compliance offerings while maintaining the ability to implement your own security measures at the OS or database level. For workloads that require OS-level access or for companies that make use of extensive SQL Server administration, SQL Server on Azure VMs is an optimal choice.