https://www.sqldbachamps.

com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093

Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]

SQL Server Database Administration in Azure involves managing SQL Server databases in the cloud, leveraging
Azure’s services and capabilities to ensure high availability, scalability, security, and ease of management. Microsoft
Azure provides multiple options for running SQL Server databases in the cloud, including Azure SQL Database,
Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines. Below is a detailed overview of SQL
Server Database Administration in Azure, including key concepts, services, and best practices.
Key Services for SQL Server Database Administration in Azure
1. Azure SQL Database
o A fully managed relational database service based on SQL Server, offering Platform as a Service
(PaaS) capabilities. It is ideal for businesses that want to offload database management tasks like
backups, patching, and high availability.
o Supports automatic scaling, high availability, built-in security, and intelligent performance tuning.
o Provides different service tiers, including Basic, Standard, Premium, and Hyperscale, to meet
varying performance and storage needs.
2. Azure SQL Managed Instance
o A fully managed instance of SQL Server running in Azure with near 100% compatibility with on-
premises SQL Server. It is designed for organizations that want to migrate their SQL Server
workloads to Azure without major application changes.
o Provides many features like instance-level configuration, SQL Agent, and cross-database queries that
aren’t available in Azure SQL Database.
o Provides more control over the environment, but still automates many administrative tasks.
3. SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (VMs)
o You can run SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS), which gives you complete control over
the operating system and SQL Server instance.
o Ideal for lift-and-shift migrations where you need full control over the SQL Server instance, including
custom configurations or versions.
o You are responsible for patching, backups, and managing the infrastructure.
Key Areas of SQL Server Database Administration in Azure
1. Provisioning and Deployment
• Azure SQL Database:
o Deployment is simplified using Azure Portal, Azure CLI, or ARM templates. You can choose between
different service tiers based on performance and storage requirements.
o Example of provisioning a new SQL Database via Azure CLI:
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Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
o az sql db create --resource-group myResourceGroup --server myServer --name myDatabase --
service-objective S1
• Azure SQL Managed Instance:
o Managed instances can be deployed in a virtual network, offering a more traditional SQL Server
experience while being fully managed.
o Managed instances are ideal for large-scale enterprise workloads that require full SQL Server
compatibility.
• SQL Server on Azure VMs:
o If you need to install SQL Server on Azure VMs, you can choose from pre-configured images from the
Azure Marketplace. You can select the exact version of SQL Server and operating system.
o Example of provisioning a new SQL Server VM:
o az vm create --resource-group myResourceGroup --name myVM --image
MicrosoftSQLServer:SQL2019-WS2019 --admin-username myAdmin --admin-password myPassword
2. Backup and Disaster Recovery
• Azure SQL Database:
o Automated Backups: Azure SQL Database offers built-in backup services, with point-in-time
recovery available for up to 35 days (based on the service tier).
o You can configure Geo-replication to create readable replicas of your databases in different regions
for disaster recovery.
o Long-term Retention (LTR) allows you to keep backups for a longer period (up to 10 years).
o Azure Backup and SQL Database Automated Backups ensure that data is consistently protected
without manual intervention.
• Azure SQL Managed Instance:
o Provides automated backups and point-in-time restore for up to 30 days, with geo-replication support
for disaster recovery.
o Backup Storage is handled automatically, but you can also configure manual backups for additional
flexibility.
o Failover groups can be used to manage disaster recovery scenarios in multi-region configurations.
• SQL Server on Azure VMs:
o You are responsible for managing your own backups using SQL Server's native backup solutions
(e.g., BACKUP DATABASE command).
o You can use Azure Backup to back up entire virtual machines, including SQL Server databases, or
use Azure Site Recovery for more comprehensive disaster recovery.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
3. High Availability and Scaling
• Azure SQL Database:
o Built-in High Availability: Azure SQL Database is designed with high availability in mind. It offers
automated failover to another node in case of failure, without requiring additional configuration.
o Elastic Pools: For managing multiple databases with varying usage patterns, elastic pools allow you
to allocate resources across several databases dynamically.
o Horizontal Scaling: You can scale up or down based on your needs without downtime.
• Azure SQL Managed Instance:
o Managed Instance supports Always On Availability Groups for high availability, with automatic
failover for a highly available configuration.
o Auto-scaling of compute resources is possible, though not as flexible as in Azure SQL Database.
However, it provides more control for complex workloads.
• SQL Server on Azure VMs:
o For high availability, you can use Always On Availability Groups, Failover Cluster Instances (FCI),
or Log Shipping.
o Azure Availability Sets and Azure Availability Zones can be used for VM-level high availability.
4. Performance Tuning and Monitoring
• Azure SQL Database:
o Automatic Tuning: Azure SQL Database includes features like Automatic Index Management,
Query Performance Insight, and Intelligent Insights for monitoring and tuning your databases
without manual intervention.
o Query Store helps track query performance over time and identify problematic queries.
o Azure Monitor: Provides monitoring capabilities for Azure resources, including SQL Database, with
metrics like CPU usage, DTU (Database Throughput Unit), and storage.
• Azure SQL Managed Instance:
o Includes all the performance tuning features of Azure SQL Database, such as Query Performance
Insight, Index Optimization, and Automatic Tuning.
o SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Azure Data Studio can be used for advanced
performance tuning and query optimization.
o Azure SQL Analytics provides deep insights into SQL Server instances running in Azure and helps
detect performance issues proactively.
• SQL Server on Azure VMs:
o You have full control over performance tuning, including SQL Server Profiler, Query Store, and
traditional methods like Index Optimization.
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Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
o Azure Monitor and Log Analytics can be integrated to track performance metrics, system health, and
custom SQL Server metrics.
5. Security and Compliance
• Azure SQL Database:
o Encryption: Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) is enabled by default for data-at-rest encryption.
Azure SQL also supports Always Encrypted for sensitive data and Dynamic Data Masking.
o Authentication: Azure Active Directory (AAD) authentication can be used, along with traditional SQL
Server authentication.
o Threat Detection: Built-in threat detection can automatically alert you to suspicious activities or
vulnerabilities.
o Compliance: Azure SQL Database complies with various regulatory standards, including GDPR,
HIPAA, SOC 1/2/3, and ISO 27001.
• Azure SQL Managed Instance:
o Same security features as Azure SQL Database, with the added benefit of being able to configure
SQL Server's built-in security features (e.g., SQL Server Audit, Login Auditing).
o Managed Instance can be deployed within a virtual network, providing additional security isolation.
• SQL Server on Azure VMs:
o Full control over the security of your SQL Server instance, including configuring firewall rules, SQL
Server security roles, and encryption settings.
o Integration with Azure Security Center to provide additional security and compliance monitoring.
6. Cost Management
• Azure SQL Database:
o Pricing is based on the service tier (e.g., Basic, Standard, Premium) and resource allocation (DTUs
or vCores). There are options for serverless configurations that automatically scale resources based
on workload.
o Azure Hybrid Benefit: If you have existing SQL Server licenses, you can use the Azure Hybrid
Benefit to save on licensing costs.
• Azure SQL Managed Instance:
o Pricing is based on the compute resources (vCores) and storage. Managed instances also support
the Azure Hybrid Benefit for SQL Server.
• SQL Server on Azure VMs:
o You pay for the Azure VM infrastructure as well as licensing costs for SQL Server. You can use the
Azure Hybrid Benefit to reduce licensing costs if you have on-prem SQL Server licenses.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
Conclusion
SQL Server Database Administration in Azure involves managing your SQL Server databases across various Azure
offerings. The choice of service (Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, or SQL Server on Azure VMs)
depends on the level of control you need, the compatibility with existing on-premises workloads, and the specific
features required for your workloads.
• Azure SQL Database is best for modern, cloud-native applications that need a fully managed database with
minimal administrative overhead.
• Azure SQL Managed Instance provides a hybrid solution for organizations that need near-complete
compatibility with on-prem SQL Server.
• SQL Server on Azure VMs is ideal for legacy applications that require full control over the operating system
and SQL Server instance.
To effectively administer SQL Server databases in Azure, understanding how to leverage Azure’s tools for
monitoring, backups, high availability, security, and scaling is crucial for ensuring performance, reliability, and cost
efficiency.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
Azure SQL Database
Azure SQL Database is a fully managed Platform as a Service (PaaS) offering from Microsoft Azure, providing a
scalable, secure, and high-performance relational database platform based on SQL Server. Azure SQL Database
simplifies database management by automating routine administrative tasks such as patching, backups, scaling, and
high availability, allowing developers and DBAs to focus more on application development rather than infrastructure
management.
Key Features of Azure SQL Database
1. Fully Managed Service:
o No need to worry about hardware, OS, or SQL Server instance management. Azure SQL Database
handles provisioning, patching, backup, high availability, and more.
2. Scalability:
o Azure SQL Database supports both vertical and horizontal scaling. You can scale up or down to
meet performance demands by adjusting the DTU (Database Transaction Unit) or vCore model.
o Supports elastic pools to manage multiple databases that have variable usage patterns.
3. High Availability:
o Built-in high availability with 99.99% SLA for uptime, ensuring your database remains available and
resilient in case of failures.
o Auto-failover groups provide automatic failover to secondary replicas in case of an outage.
4. Security:
o Provides Advanced Threat Protection, Data Encryption, and Firewall Rules to protect against
unauthorized access and SQL injection attacks.
o Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) by default to protect data at rest.
o Always Encrypted ensures sensitive data is encrypted, even when it's being processed.
o Integration with Azure Active Directory (AAD) for seamless authentication.
5. Automated Backups:
o Azure SQL Database automatically performs full, differential, and transaction log backups with a
default retention of up to 35 days.
o You can configure long-term retention (LTR) for backups lasting up to 10 years.
6. Global Reach:
o You can deploy your Azure SQL Database in multiple regions for improved geo-redundancy and
disaster recovery. This is facilitated by features like Geo-replication and readable secondaries.
7. Intelligent Performance and Tuning:
o Azure SQL Database provides features like automatic tuning that can handle tasks such as creating
missing indexes or dropping unused indexes.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
o Query Performance Insight helps you analyze and optimize query performance.
o Automatic Indexing and Query Store provide enhanced performance tuning capabilities.
8. Serverless Option:
o The serverless compute tier automatically scales compute resources based on workload demand,
pausing during inactivity and resuming when needed.
o It offers cost savings for workloads with intermittent or unpredictable activity patterns.
9. Integration with Other Azure Services:
o Integration with other Azure services like Azure Functions, Azure Logic Apps, Azure Data Factory,
and Azure Synapse Analytics for comprehensive data processing and orchestration.

Deployment Models in Azure SQL Database

Azure SQL Database offers different deployment models to suit different types of workloads:
1. Single Database:
o A single, fully isolated database, which is ideal for applications that need to scale independently. It
provides fine-grained control over performance, scaling, and resources.
o Suitable for applications with moderate to high-performance requirements that need to be
independently managed.
2. Elastic Pool:
o A collection of multiple databases that share a set of resources, such as DTUs or vCores. Elastic
pools are ideal for managing multiple databases with unpredictable or varying resource requirements.
o Databases within an elastic pool can scale up and down without impacting others in the pool.
3. Managed Instance:
o Azure SQL Managed Instance is a fully managed instance of SQL Server with high compatibility with
on-premises SQL Server.
o Managed instances offer more traditional instance-level control than Azure SQL Database, with the
ability to use features such as SQL Server Agent and cross-database queries.

Service Tiers and Pricing Models

Azure SQL Database offers several service tiers designed to meet different performance, availability, and cost
requirements. The pricing model is based on DTUs (Database Transaction Units) or vCores (virtual cores),
depending on the selected service tier.
1. DTU-Based Model:
• Basic: Low-performance tier for smaller databases with light workloads. Suitable for development, test, or
small production workloads.
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Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
• Standard: Medium performance, offering predictable performance for transactional and mixed-use
workloads.
• Premium: High-performance tier for mission-critical workloads that require high throughput, low latency, and
fast transaction processing.
2. vCore-Based Model:
• General Purpose: Based on a standardized set of compute resources (vCores) and storage. Suitable for
most business workloads that require a balanced price-to-performance ratio.
• Business Critical: Provides high-performance and low-latency storage, designed for mission-critical
workloads. It includes high availability with multiple replicas and more powerful resources.
• Hyperscale: Designed for workloads that require rapid growth in storage and high throughput. Hyperscale
offers highly scalable storage up to 100TB and rapid backups and restores.
3. Serverless:
• Suitable for applications with intermittent workloads. It scales compute resources based on activity,
automatically pausing during inactivity to save costs.
• The compute resources automatically pause during periods of inactivity and resume when activity restarts.

Key Administration Features in Azure SQL Database

1. Automatic Tuning:
o Azure SQL Database continuously analyzes workload patterns and automatically applies changes to
improve performance.
o Tasks such as index optimization, missing index creation, and query plan correction are handled
automatically.
2. Security Management:
o Azure Firewall Rules: Control access to the database using IP-based firewalls. You can configure
access rules for specific IP address ranges.
o Virtual Network (VNet) Integration: For highly secure environments, you can deploy Azure SQL
Database within a VNet, ensuring that the database can only be accessed from specific network
segments.
o Transparent Data Encryption (TDE): Protects your data at rest by encrypting the data files
automatically.
3. Monitoring and Auditing:
o Azure Monitor: Integrates with Azure SQL Database to provide detailed insights into database
health, performance, and resource usage.
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Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
o SQL Auditing: Records database events to provide an audit trail for security and compliance
purposes.
o Query Store: Tracks query performance over time and helps identify bottlenecks and resource
contention.
4. Point-in-Time Restore:
o With built-in point-in-time restore, you can restore your database to any time within the last 35 days
(depending on your service tier).
o Geo-Restore allows you to restore databases across regions in case of a regional failure.
5. Failover and Disaster Recovery:
o Active Geo-Replication: You can replicate your database to another Azure region for disaster
recovery. The secondary replica can also be read-only.
o Auto-Failover Groups: Configurable failover groups that provide automatic failover for multi-region
deployments.

High Availability and Disaster Recovery

Azure SQL Database offers several high-availability features to ensure your data is always available:
1. Built-in High Availability:
o Azure SQL Database automatically replicates data across multiple nodes and data centers to ensure
high availability. It is part of the Platform as a Service (PaaS) model, with no manual intervention
required for failover.
2. Geo-Replication:
o You can configure active geo-replication to create readable replicas of your database in different
regions. This provides high availability and can also be used for load balancing read workloads.
3. Auto-Failover Groups:
o Auto-failover groups can automatically failover to a secondary replica if the primary becomes
unavailable. This is a key feature for achieving high availability and disaster recovery.
Security in Azure SQL Database
1. Encryption:
o Data is encrypted at rest using Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and in transit with TLS
(Transport Layer Security).
o Always Encrypted ensures sensitive data is encrypted in the application layer and cannot be
decrypted within the database.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
2. Authentication:
o You can use Azure Active Directory (AAD) authentication to centralize and simplify login and user
management, and SQL Server authentication as a fallback.
o Managed Identity can be used for secure access to other Azure services without requiring explicit
credentials.
3. Threat Detection:
o Azure SQL Database offers Advanced Threat Protection to detect potential threats, such as SQL
injection, brute force attacks, and suspicious activity, and provides recommendations for mitigating
them.
4. Compliance:
o Azure SQL Database is compliant with various global standards and regulations, including GDPR,
ISO 27001, HIPAA, and SOC certifications.

Pricing Considerations
• DTU-Based Pricing: DTUs are a blended measure of CPU, memory, and I/O performance. The more DTUs
you provision, the higher the performance and cost.
• vCore-Based Pricing: More flexible and provides better control over resource allocation (vCores and
storage). You can adjust vCore count and storage separately.
• Storage Costs: Storage pricing depends on the service tier and the amount of storage consumed. You pay
for both the allocated storage and backup storage.

Conclusion
Azure SQL Database is a powerful, fully managed relational database solution designed for scalability, high
availability, and security. It provides various deployment models, including single databases, elastic pools, and
Hyperscale, and offers robust features like automated tuning, advanced security, and seamless integration with other
Azure services. Azure SQL Database is suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small applications to large-scale
enterprise solutions, offering a simplified approach to database management and allowing organizations to focus on
application development rather than infrastructure management.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
Azure SQL Managed Instance:
Azure SQL Managed Instance is a fully-managed Platform as a Service (PaaS) offering from Microsoft Azure that
provides near-complete compatibility with on-premises SQL Server. It offers the benefits of a fully managed
database service in the cloud, while providing more control and flexibility than Azure SQL Database, especially for
users who need advanced SQL Server features, such as SQL Server Agent, cross-database queries, and instance-
level configuration.
Azure SQL Managed Instance is designed for businesses that want to migrate their existing SQL Server workloads
to the cloud with minimal changes to their applications while taking advantage of Azure’s scalability, high availability,
security, and automation features.

Key Features of Azure SQL Managed Instance

1. Near 100% SQL Server Compatibility:
o Azure SQL Managed Instance provides near-complete compatibility with SQL Server, which means it
supports the same features and functionality found in on-prem SQL Server, including SQL Server
Agent, Linked Servers, SQL Profiler, Cross-Database Queries, and CLR Integration.
o Ideal for businesses seeking to lift-and-shift their existing SQL Server workloads to the cloud with
minimal changes to their applications.
2. Fully Managed Service:
o Like other Azure SQL offerings, Managed Instance handles most administrative tasks such as
patching, backup, high availability, and scaling.
o It automates maintenance tasks and integrates with Azure Active Directory (AAD) for authentication,
Azure Security Center for threat detection, and Azure Monitor for performance monitoring.
3. High Availability:
o Built-in High Availability: Managed Instance automatically provides high availability with 99.99%
SLA. It supports automatic failover between primary and secondary replicas in case of failure,
ensuring minimal downtime.
o Availability Zones: You can deploy Managed Instance across multiple availability zones within an
Azure region to ensure availability and resilience against zone-level failures.
o Geo-replication: You can configure Geo-replication to create readable secondary replicas of your
database in different Azure regions, providing disaster recovery and read scalability.
4. Elastic Pools:
o Managed Instance supports elastic pools, which allow you to pool resources (CPU, memory,
storage) across multiple databases within a single instance. This is particularly useful for managing
workloads with unpredictable or variable usage patterns.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
5. Automatic Scaling:
o Azure SQL Managed Instance supports dynamic scaling. You can scale up or down your instance
resources (CPU, memory, and storage) based on workload requirements without downtime, allowing
you to optimize cost and performance.
6. Security:
o Transparent Data Encryption (TDE): Data is automatically encrypted at rest to protect against
unauthorized access.
o Always Encrypted: Ensures that sensitive data, like credit card numbers and personally identifiable
information (PII), remains encrypted both at rest and in transit, and only authorized applications can
decrypt the data.
o Advanced Threat Protection: Monitors for suspicious activities and potential vulnerabilities, sending
alerts and providing recommendations for mitigation.
o Virtual Network Integration: Managed Instance can be deployed within a Virtual Network (VNet) for
isolation and controlled access. This gives you more control over access, ensuring that only trusted
clients within the VNet can access the instance.
o Azure Active Directory Authentication: Enables centralized authentication using Azure AD
identities for easier identity and access management.
o Firewalls and Virtual Networks: You can control access to your Managed Instance using IP-based
firewall rules or by integrating with your Azure Virtual Network.
7. Built-in Backup and Disaster Recovery:
o Automated Backups: Managed Instance performs automated full, differential, and transaction log
backups with a retention period of up to 30 days by default. This ensures that your data is protected
and recoverable.
o Long-Term Retention (LTR): For compliance requirements, you can configure LTR to store backups
for up to 10 years.
o Point-in-Time Recovery: You can restore your database to any point within the last 30 days (based
on your retention settings).
o Geo-Restore: In the event of a regional failure, Managed Instance supports the ability to restore
backups in another Azure region.
8. SQL Server Agent Support:
o SQL Server Agent is fully supported in Azure SQL Managed Instance. This allows for the scheduling
and management of jobs, alerts, and automating administrative tasks, just as it would in an on-prem
SQL Server environment.
o Useful for organizations that rely on jobs like maintenance tasks, backups, or reporting.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
9. Cross-Database Queries:
o Unlike Azure SQL Database, cross-database queries are supported in Azure SQL Managed
Instance. This is helpful when you have multiple databases that need to interact with each other
through joins or queries.
10. Instance-Level Configuration:
o With Azure SQL Managed Instance, you have more control over instance-level settings, similar to
an on-prem SQL Server instance, which gives you the ability to configure SQL Server settings, such
as SQL Server Agent, max server memory, and more.

Deployment Models
Azure SQL Managed Instance can be deployed in two main models:
1. Single-Region Deployment:
o A single instance of Managed Instance can be deployed within a specific Azure region, providing full
functionality but limited disaster recovery capabilities compared to a multi-region deployment.
2. Geo-Replication (Multi-Region Deployment):
o For high availability and disaster recovery, you can deploy Managed Instance across multiple Azure
regions using Geo-replication.
o The primary instance runs in one region, while one or more secondary instances replicate data
asynchronously to provide read scalability and disaster recovery.

Service Tiers and Pricing Models

Azure SQL Managed Instance offers two main pricing models:
1. vCore-based Model:
o The vCore model offers greater flexibility and control over performance. Pricing is based on the
number of vCores and the amount of storage allocated.
o Managed Instance provides the ability to choose between different performance tiers, such as:
▪ General Purpose: Suitable for most workloads, offering balanced performance with a
standard storage model.
▪ Business Critical: High-performance workloads requiring low-latency, fast transaction
processing, and enhanced fault tolerance.
▪ Hyperscale: Designed for large-scale workloads with high storage requirements. It offers fast
scalability in terms of storage, up to 100 TB.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
2. DTU-based Model:
o While the vCore model is more flexible and recommended for most use cases, there is also a DTU-
based pricing model that provides a simplified way to size resources based on Database Throughput
Units (DTUs), which is a combination of CPU, memory, and I/O resources.

Performance and Scaling

1. Performance:
o Compute resources are determined by the number of vCores you allocate, and the performance is
based on CPU, memory, and I/O throughput.
o Storage is provisioned independently and is scalable, allowing you to store large amounts of data
without impacting performance.
o Automatic Scaling: You can scale up or down in terms of compute and storage based on workload
requirements. This enables optimization of both performance and cost.
2. Elasticity:
o Unlike Azure SQL Database, which allows for easier scaling, Managed Instance enables both vertical
scaling (changing compute or storage size) and horizontal scaling (distributing workloads across
multiple instances or databases).

Migration to Azure SQL Managed Instance

1. Lift-and-Shift Migration:
o Azure SQL Managed Instance is designed to facilitate a smooth migration from on-premises SQL
Server environments to the cloud. It supports native backup/restore and SQL Server Migration
Assistant (SSMA) for seamless migration.
o If you have an on-premises SQL Server, you can use Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) to
migrate your databases to Azure SQL Managed Instance with minimal downtime.
2. Hybrid Cloud:
o With Managed Instance, you can create hybrid cloud solutions by extending your on-premises SQL
Server environment into Azure, ensuring that there are no changes required in the applications while
benefiting from cloud capabilities.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
Security and Compliance
1. Network Security:
o Managed Instance can be deployed within a Virtual Network (VNet), allowing you to isolate it from
the public internet and secure your instance with private IPs.
o Firewall rules and network security groups (NSGs) help control inbound and outbound traffic to
and from the Managed Instance.
2. Encryption:
o Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) encrypts data at rest, while Always Encrypted ensures that
sensitive data is encrypted during both storage and processing.
o Data is encrypted in transit using TLS.
o
3. Compliance:
o Azure SQL Managed Instance is compliant with various regulatory standards, including ISO 27001,
GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 1/2/3, and PCI DSS.

Monitoring and Management

1. Azure Monitor and Azure SQL Analytics:
o Azure Monitor provides insights into the performance and health of the Managed Instance. You can
track CPU usage, memory, storage, and other metrics to optimize the instance.
o Azure SQL Analytics offers detailed performance analysis and historical data to help diagnose and
resolve issues.
2. Azure Automation:
o Automation tools in Azure can help with tasks such as automated backups, maintenance tasks,
and scheduled jobs.
3. SQL Server Management Tools:
o You can manage and administer Azure SQL Managed Instance using familiar tools like SQL Server
Management Studio (SSMS), Azure Data Studio, and PowerShell.

Use Cases for Azure SQL Managed Instance

• Lift-and-shift migrations: Organizations looking to migrate their on-premises SQL Server workloads to the
cloud without extensive modifications can benefit from Managed Instance due to its near-complete
compatibility with SQL Server.
• High-performance applications: Managed Instance is ideal for mission-critical applications that require low-
latency, high-throughput performance and high availability.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
• Hybrid environments: Organizations that need a hybrid approach to manage both on-premises and cloud
databases seamlessly.
• Cross-database queries: Managed Instance supports cross-database queries, which is useful for complex
applications that require data across multiple databases.
•
Conclusion
Azure SQL Managed Instance provides a flexible, fully managed SQL Server solution that supports a wide range of
use cases, from lift-and-shift migrations to hybrid cloud architectures and high-performance workloads. It
offers the benefits of the cloud while maintaining near-complete compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, making it
an excellent choice for organizations looking to move their SQL Server workloads to the cloud with minimal changes
to their applications. With built-in high availability, automated backups, security, and the ability to scale as needed, it
simplifies database management and helps optimize both performance and cost.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
SQL Server on Azure VMs (Virtual Machines)

SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) is an infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) offering that allows you to
run SQL Server on virtual machines hosted in Microsoft Azure. This option provides full control over the SQL
Server instance, the underlying operating system, and the entire database environment. Unlike Azure SQL
Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance, which are platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offerings, SQL Server on
Azure VMs gives you more flexibility and control similar to what you would have when managing an on-premises
SQL Server.

Running SQL Server on Azure VMs is ideal for scenarios where organizations need to lift and shift their on-premises
SQL Server workloads to the cloud without making significant changes to their applications or databases.

Key Features of SQL Server on Azure VMs

1. Full Control Over SQL Server and Operating System:
o SQL Server on Azure VMs provides full control over the SQL Server instance, including the
operating system (OS), which gives you the ability to customize and configure the server based on
specific requirements.
o You have the flexibility to manage the instance, install SQL Server editions, configure SQL Server
settings, and apply patches and updates as needed.
2. Choice of SQL Server Editions:
o SQL Server on Azure VMs supports various SQL Server editions, including:
▪ Enterprise: Suitable for mission-critical applications requiring advanced features like
partitioning, compression, and high availability.
▪ Standard: For general-purpose databases that require core database functionality without the
advanced features found in Enterprise.
▪ Web: Cost-effective for web-based applications.
▪ Developer: Provides all the Enterprise features for development and testing.
o This flexibility allows organizations to select the appropriate edition based on their workload and
budget.
3. High Availability and Disaster Recovery:
o Availability Sets: Azure Availability Sets allow you to group multiple VMs to ensure high availability
by distributing them across physical servers in different fault domains.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
o Azure Availability Zones: For more fault tolerance, SQL Server on Azure VMs can be deployed
across Availability Zones. This ensures that the database remains operational even if an entire data
center fails.
o Always On Availability Groups (AG): SQL Server on Azure VMs supports Always On Availability
Groups, providing high availability, automatic failover, and disaster recovery across SQL Server
instances.
o Geo-Replication: You can replicate SQL Server databases across multiple Azure regions for disaster
recovery and to ensure business continuity.
4. Security:
o Azure Security Features: Azure provides security features like Azure Active Directory (AAD)
integration, network security groups (NSGs), virtual networks (VNets), and firewall rules to
control access to the SQL Server VM.
o Encryption: Data is protected using Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) to secure data at rest.
Additionally, Always Encrypted ensures sensitive data is encrypted during processing, and SQL
Server’s built-in encryption (SSL/TLS) ensures secure data in transit.
o Advanced Threat Protection (ATP): ATP helps detect and respond to suspicious activities and
potential threats by providing real-time security alerts and suggestions for mitigating risks.
5. Scalability:
o SQL Server on Azure VMs can scale vertically (by increasing the size of the VM or upgrading to a
more powerful VM type) and horizontally (by adding more VMs and using load balancing or Always
On AG).
o Azure allows for easy scaling, which is ideal for workloads with unpredictable traffic or those that
require large amounts of storage or computing resources.
6. Performance:
o Azure VM Types: You can choose different VM types (such as General Purpose, Compute-
Optimized, or Memory-Optimized VMs) based on your workload requirements. SQL Server
workloads can benefit from memory-optimized VMs like the M-series, which are designed for in-
memory workloads.
o Premium Storage: SQL Server on Azure VMs supports Azure Premium Storage, which uses solid-
state drives (SSDs) to deliver high-performance I/O throughput for demanding database workloads.
o Disk Performance: Azure supports different disk types, such as Standard HDD, Standard SSD, and
Premium SSD, allowing you to fine-tune disk performance based on your needs.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
7. Automated Backups:
o Azure Backup: Azure provides automatic backup services for SQL Server running on VMs. You can
configure Azure Backup to perform scheduled backups, including full, differential, and transaction log
backups, with retention periods that fit your requirements.
o SQL Server Native Backup: SQL Server on Azure VMs supports traditional backup methods, such
as SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or T-SQL, enabling backups to Azure Blob Storage or
other locations.
8. Integration with Azure Services:
o SQL Server on Azure VMs can integrate seamlessly with other Azure services such as Azure
Monitor, Azure Security Center, Azure Automation, and Azure Log Analytics.
o These integrations provide enhanced monitoring, security, compliance, automation, and alerting for
SQL Server instances running on VMs.
9. Licensing Options:
o License Included: You can opt for pay-as-you-go licensing, where SQL Server licenses are included
in the VM cost. This is ideal for customers who need flexibility and don’t want to manage licenses
separately.
o Bring Your Own License (BYOL): If you have existing SQL Server licenses with Software
Assurance, you can bring them to Azure and apply them to your SQL Server on Azure VM instances
to reduce costs.

Architecture of SQL Server on Azure VMs

1. SQL Server VM Architecture:
o SQL Server on Azure VMs runs as a traditional VM running an operating system (Windows or Linux)
and the SQL Server instance. It can be configured with any number of databases and users, just like
a traditional on-premises SQL Server environment.
2. High Availability Configuration:
o Availability Sets: For high availability within a single region, SQL Server VMs can be deployed in an
Availability Set. This ensures that the VMs are distributed across fault domains (physical hardware)
to protect against single points of failure.
o Always On Availability Groups: For more advanced high availability and disaster recovery, SQL
Server VMs can be configured with Always On Availability Groups, which allow automatic failover
and replication of data across multiple SQL Server instances.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
3. Disaster Recovery:
o Geo-Replication: SQL Server on Azure VMs can use geo-replication techniques to replicate data
across regions for disaster recovery. This ensures that even if an Azure region goes down, your SQL
Server databases remain accessible from a different region.
o Azure Site Recovery (ASR): ASR can be used to replicate SQL Server VMs to another Azure region,
providing a disaster recovery solution for on-premises SQL Server environments migrated to Azure.

Deployment and Management

1. Provisioning SQL Server on Azure VM:
o Azure Portal: You can easily provision SQL Server on an Azure VM via the Azure Portal, where you
can choose the desired VM size, operating system, and SQL Server edition.
o Azure CLI: Azure CLI offers command-line options to create and manage SQL Server VMs.
o Azure Resource Manager (ARM) Templates: ARM templates allow for consistent and repeatable
deployments of SQL Server VMs, ensuring that resources are deployed in the same way every time.
2. SQL Server Management:
o SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Azure Data Studio are commonly used tools for
managing SQL Server on Azure VMs.
o For automation, you can use Azure Automation to manage patching, backups, and other routine
tasks.
3. Monitoring and Alerts:
o Azure Monitor provides detailed metrics on performance, resource usage, and health of your SQL
Server VMs.
o Log Analytics can be used to query and visualize logs, enabling you to troubleshoot and monitor
your SQL Server instances effectively.
o SQL Insights can be leveraged for deeper SQL-specific metrics and performance tuning.

Cost Considerations
1. VM Pricing:
o The cost of running SQL Server on Azure VMs depends on the VM size (CPU, memory), storage
type (Standard SSD, Premium SSD), and the SQL Server edition you choose.
o Pricing is based on an hourly rate for the VM, with additional costs for storage, networking, and
licenses (if applicable).
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]

2. Licensing:
o The License-Included model allows you to pay for the SQL Server license as part of your VM cost.
o BYOL (Bring Your Own License) allows you to use existing licenses for SQL Server, reducing the
overall cost.
3. Storage Costs:
o Storage is priced based on the type (Standard SSD, Premium SSD, etc.), the provisioned size, and
the number of I/O operations.
4. Backup Costs:
o Backup costs depend on the size of your databases and the frequency of backups. Using Azure
Backup or SQL Server native backups to Azure Blob Storage can incur costs for storage and data
transfer.

Use Cases for SQL Server on Azure VMs

1. Lift and Shift Migrations:
o SQL Server on Azure VMs is perfect for customers who want to lift and shift their existing SQL Server
workloads to the cloud without making significant changes to their applications. This is especially
useful for legacy systems or applications that rely on specific features available only in SQL Server.
2. Custom Configurations:
o If your workloads require custom configurations, third-party integrations, or specific versions of SQL
Server, Azure VMs give you full control over your environment to configure it as needed.
3. High Availability and Disaster Recovery:
o Businesses with mission-critical workloads requiring high availability and disaster recovery can
leverage Always On Availability Groups, Geo-Replication, and Azure Site Recovery to ensure
that SQL Server remains highly available and protected.
4. SQL Server for Development and Testing:
o Developers can use SQL Server on Azure VMs for building, testing, and developing applications in an
isolated, customizable environment that mimics production systems.

Conclusion
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines is an ideal solution for organizations that need full control over their SQL
Server instances while taking advantage of Azure's scalability, security, and management features. It offers the
flexibility to run custom configurations, utilize specific SQL Server editions, and integrate with various Azure services.
SQL Server on Azure VMs is well-suited for workloads that require high availability, disaster recovery, and custom
setups that PaaS solutions like Azure SQL Database cannot provide.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
DB Migration Types in Azure (PART-1)

Migrating databases to Azure can be a complex process depending on your source database, target database
service, and the migration goals. Azure offers a range of database migration types that suit different use cases and
environments, from simple lifts-and-shifts to more advanced cloud-native migrations.
Below are the main types of database migration supported in Azure:

1. Lift-and-Shift Migration (Rehost)

This type of migration involves moving your database to Azure with minimal changes. It’s often referred to as
rehosting. The database is essentially replicated in the cloud, where it continues to run in a similar environment to
its original on-premises system.
Tools and Services:
• Azure Migrate: Helps discover and assess on-premises workloads for migration.
• Azure Database Migration Service (DMS): Supports migration from various sources to Azure SQL
Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, or SQL Server on Azure VMs.
When to Use:
• If you want to migrate databases quickly with minimal disruption and without making significant changes to
the application.
• Useful when you’re moving from an on-premises SQL Server or other databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL)
to Azure SQL Database, SQL Managed Instance, or SQL Server on Azure VMs.

2. Replatforming (Azure SQL Managed Instance or SQL Database)

Replatforming, or "lift-and-shift with optimization", involves moving the database to Azure but taking advantage of
cloud-native features, like high availability, scaling, or elastic pools. Unlike a pure lift-and-shift, you might make some
adjustments to improve performance and reduce the long-term cost.
Tools and Services:
• Azure Database Migration Service (DMS): A fully managed service that supports migrations of databases
from SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and others to Azure cloud databases.
• Azure Migrate: Offers insights into your existing database infrastructure and helps you decide on the most
appropriate Azure target, like Azure SQL Managed Instance or Azure SQL Database.
• SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT): Used for schema conversion, which might be required for replatforming
workloads.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
When to Use:
• If you need a faster cloud migration but want to take advantage of managed services like Azure SQL
Managed Instance and Azure SQL Database to reduce the management overhead and improve scaling
and availability.

3. Refactoring (Re-architecting)
Refactoring involves more significant changes to the database and possibly the application, leveraging cloud-native
features that aren't possible in an on-premises environment. This could involve moving to a Platform as a Service
(PaaS) offering such as Azure SQL Database or Cosmos DB, which may require modifying database schema,
application code, and architecture.
Tools and Services:
• Azure Database Migration Service (DMS): Supports migration from various databases, but refactoring may
require manual changes in the database schema and application logic.
• Azure Data Factory: For more advanced migrations or when transforming the database schema is required
during migration.
• SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA): Useful for migrating SQL Server databases to other systems, like
Azure SQL Database.
When to Use:
• If your application is heavily reliant on on-premises systems and you want to migrate to a more modern
cloud-native database platform like Azure Cosmos DB, or Azure SQL Database.
• When significant changes are necessary to optimize for performance, scalability, or cost efficiency in the
cloud.

4. Hybrid Migration
In a Hybrid Migration, part of the database remains on-premises, and another part is moved to Azure. Hybrid
approaches are used when you need to meet specific compliance, security, or latency requirements, such as
keeping sensitive data on-premises while leveraging the cloud for less sensitive data or application layers.
Tools and Services:
• Azure Hybrid Benefit: You can use your existing SQL Server licenses to reduce costs when moving to SQL
Server on Azure VMs or Azure SQL Managed Instance.
• Azure Arc: Allows you to manage on-premises and Azure resources together, enabling a seamless hybrid
experience.
• Azure Database for MySQL/PostgreSQL: Supports hybrid architecture where some databases are on-
premises, and others are on Azure.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
When to Use:
• When you can’t move the entire database to Azure due to regulatory or security concerns but still want to use
cloud resources for non-sensitive data.
• When you need to gradually migrate to the cloud and don’t want to make a "big bang" move.

5. Cloud-Native Migration
This approach involves moving from an on-premises database to a cloud-native database such as Azure Cosmos
DB, Azure SQL Database, or Azure Database for PostgreSQL/MySQL.
Tools and Services:
• Azure Database Migration Service (DMS): Can help migrate from traditional relational databases (SQL
Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL) to cloud-native databases in Azure.
• Azure Data Factory: If you need to integrate large-scale data workflows and perform ETL (Extract,
Transform, Load) operations, Data Factory is ideal.
• Azure SQL Data Sync: A feature for replicating data between Azure SQL Database and on-premises SQL
Server to create a hybrid environment.
When to Use:
• When your goal is to take full advantage of cloud-native capabilities like automatic scaling, geo-replication,
and serverless models.
• Ideal for new applications or modernizing legacy databases by moving from on-premise SQL Server to Azure
SQL Database or Cosmos DB.

6. Data Replication
Data replication involves synchronizing or replicating data between an on-premises database and an Azure database
without fully migrating. Replication is ideal for scenarios that require high availability or disaster recovery.
Tools and Services:
• Azure Site Recovery: Can replicate on-premises SQL Servers to Azure for disaster recovery purposes.
• SQL Server Always On Availability Groups: Can be used to set up high availability across on-premises
and Azure SQL VMs.
• Azure SQL Database Geo-Replication: To replicate data across different regions for disaster recovery and
business continuity.
When to Use:
• If you need to set up high availability, disaster recovery, or load balancing between on-premises and Azure
databases.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
• Suitable for hybrid environments or scenarios where full migration is not needed, but you still want to have
cloud backups or read replicas.

7. Transactional Replication
Transactional replication involves moving and synchronizing the database from an on-premises system to an Azure
database while ensuring that all changes in the source system are reflected in the target system in real-time.
Tools and Services:
• Azure SQL Database Managed Instance: You can use transactional replication to synchronize on-premises
databases with SQL Managed Instances or Azure SQL Database.
• SQL Server Replication: SQL Server replication can be used to set up a replication topology from on-
premises to cloud databases.
When to Use:
• When you need real-time synchronization of data between on-premises and cloud databases.
• When migrating a transactional workload and requiring high consistency and low-latency replication.

8. Database to Cloud (Database Modernization)

This type of migration is focused on modernizing the database environment. The idea is not just to move to the cloud
but to fully modernize the application and database to leverage cloud-native features such as serverless
databases, auto-scaling, and distributed databases.
Tools and Services:
• Azure Database Migration Service (DMS): Supports migrations from on-premise databases to modern
cloud-based platforms like Azure SQL Database or Cosmos DB.
• Azure Synapse Analytics: Used for advanced analytics and moving large datasets to a cloud-based data
warehouse.
When to Use:
• When you want to leverage cloud-native features such as auto-scaling, elasticity, and multi-region support.
• Suitable for workloads where traditional relational databases like SQL Server are replaced with cloud-native
solutions like Cosmos DB.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
DB Migration Types in Azure (PART-2)
In Azure, database migrations are essential when moving databases from on-premises environments, other cloud
providers, or within different Azure services. There are various types of database migration methods available,
depending on the use case, source, and destination. Below are the key migration types in Azure:

1. Azure Database Migration Service (DMS)

Azure Database Migration Service is the most common method for migrating databases to Azure. It supports a
wide range of source and target databases, providing a fully managed service for migrating SQL Server, MySQL,
PostgreSQL, and other database types to Azure.
Key Features:
• Supports online and offline migrations.
• Automated data migration.
• Minimal downtime during migration (when using online migrations).
• Integration with Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, Azure Database for MySQL, and
Azure Database for PostgreSQL.
Migration Types:
• Online Migration: Data is continuously replicated to the target while the source is still in use.
• Offline Migration: Data migration happens when the source database is offline, which leads to less
complexity but more downtime.

2. BACPAC File Export/Import

A BACPAC file is a compressed file that contains both the schema and data of an Azure SQL Database. You can
export a database to a BACPAC file and then import it to another Azure SQL Database or other supported Azure
services.
Use Cases:
• Useful for moving databases between Azure subscriptions or regions.
• Can be used for backup purposes and restoration of databases.

3. Azure SQL Data Sync

Azure SQL Data Sync is used for synchronizing data between Azure SQL Databases or between on-premises
SQL Servers and Azure SQL Databases. It supports bidirectional data synchronization and is a good choice for
hybrid cloud architectures.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
Use Cases:
• Bi-directional data sync.
• Can synchronize data from different regions or environments in real time.

4. Transactional Replication
Transactional replication can be set up to replicate data from an on-premises SQL Server to Azure SQL Database
or Azure SQL Managed Instance. This allows continuous synchronization of data.
Use Cases:
• Real-time migration of data with minimal downtime.
• Keeping the on-premises database active while migrating to Azure.

5. Azure Site Recovery (ASR)

Azure Site Recovery can be used for disaster recovery and migration scenarios, where you replicate virtual
machines running SQL Server to Azure. This can be used to migrate not just the database but the entire server
infrastructure.
Use Cases:
• Disaster recovery or migration of complete virtual machines (VMs) to Azure.

6. SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services)

SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) can be used to migrate databases, especially when you need to
transform the data during migration. You can move data between different databases (including on-premises to
cloud or between Azure services) using SSIS.
Use Cases:
• ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) operations.
• Complex data transformations during migration.

7. Lift and Shift (Azure VM Migration)

If you're migrating an entire on-premises SQL Server to Azure, Lift and Shift migration is a valid approach. It
involves moving the entire virtual machine (VM) hosting the SQL Server to Azure Virtual Machines.
Use Cases:
• Moving existing SQL Server instances running on virtual machines to Azure without changes.
• Migrating a complete infrastructure (e.g., entire SQL Server setups with the OS).
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]
8. Azure Migrate
Azure Migrate provides a unified platform for migrating your on-premises workloads, including databases, to Azure.
It is more of a comprehensive migration tool and provides a holistic approach to migrating applications, databases,
and servers to Azure.
Use Cases:
• Lift and Shift migrations for SQL Server and other databases.
• Assessment, planning, and monitoring for database migrations.

9. Data Export and Import Using Azure Blob Storage

This method involves manually exporting data to a CSV or other file formats, storing them in Azure Blob Storage,
and then importing the data into the Azure database. It is a more manual and customized migration process.
Use Cases:
• Moving large amounts of data without using a managed migration tool.
• Useful for bulk data imports.

10. Third-Party Tools

There are many third-party tools available for database migration to Azure. Some popular ones include:
• Redgate SQL Toolbelt.
• DBGhost.
• Attunity.
• Quest SharePlex.
These tools often provide additional features or support specific database types that may not be supported by
Azure’s native tools.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com Praveen Madupu +91 98661 30093
Sr SQL Server DBA, Dubai
[email protected]

The choice of migration method depends on factors such as the type of database, required downtime, data volume,
and the specific business needs of the organization.