Azure SQL Database vs Managed Instance
Transferring your SQL Server databases to Azure has become easier and more affordable, than before! Smoothly move your databases to Azure. Experience the mix of SQL Servers features with the operational ease and financial benefits of Azures smart and fully managed SQL Database.
Enhance your data efficiency and cut expenses by transitioning from running in house to utilizing the managed Azure SQL Database.
It is now the moment to transfer your data to the cloud environment as businesses that have moved their data from servers and other hosting platforms to Azure SQL Database are enjoying noticeable benefits and cost savings making Azure SQL Database a highly cost efficient option for managing your SQL Server databases.
A Managed SQL Database Instance: What Is It?
The Managed Instance, in SQL Database is a resource designed for effortless migration of SQL Server databases from version 2005 to the cloud on a large scale, leveraging cloud database solutions. As SQL Database and SQL Server have a code base you can enjoy the functionalities of SQL Server on both database and instance levels. This facilitates a shift, to the cloud reducing or even removing the necessity of redesigning your applications.
For best results, choose one of two alternatives.
Opt for the balance of computing resources (vCores) and storage capacity and handle them independently to boost flexibility.
| GENERAL PURPOSE | BUSINESS CRITICAL | |
| Best for | Data applications with fundamental input/output (IO) and standard availability needs, along with applications requiring high-speed IO | High-Availability Solutions for Business-Critical Data Applications with Rapid IO Needs |
| Compute tiers | 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 64, 80 vCores | 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 64, 80 vCores |
| Storage | Fast remote storage 32GB-8TB per instance | Super-fast local SSD storage 32GB-4TB per instance |
| Availability | 1 Super-fast local SSD storage 32GB-4TB per instance | 3 Super-fast local SSD storage 32GB-4TB per instance |
Experience SQL Server compatibility at the instance level.
The Managed Instance provides compatibility at the instance level, with SQL Server features to reduce or even eliminate the necessity for adjustments in applications, during data migration processes, including SQL Server migration. It makes application development more efficient and maintenance simpler by leveraging SQL tools and resources to enhance productivity:
- Native backup and restore
- Cross-database queries and transactions
- SQL Agent and Alerts
- Service Broker
- CLR and more
Workload isolation is maintained through native VNET integration.
Enhance the security of your workloads by isolating networking through the use of VNET support in Managed Instance giving you comprehensive control over traffic flow in and, out of your deployment environment.
Keep yourself updated on the cloud
Using Azure SQL Databases Managed Instance provides a setup option that takes advantage of the services key benefits.
- Intelligent features to improve efficiency and safety.
- Combining availability (HA, active geo replication).
- Automated backup procedures, with the capability to restore to points in time.
- Managing identities efficiently is crucial, with Azure Active Directory.
The most affordable location for your SQL Server workloads is Azure.
Benefits of Azure Hybrid for SQL Server
Utilize Azure Hybrid Benefit to save up to 55%.
Upgrade the worth of your on site licensing by exchanging your existing SQL Server licenses that come with Software Assurance, which could result in savings of up to 55%, on SQL Database Managed Instance.
Exclusive to Azure: Increase the value of your virtualized workloads
Customers who have SQL Server Enterprise Edition, with Software Assurance can switch to Managed Instance in SQL Server in Azure at a price by using the virtualization advantage offered there. The Azure Hybrid Benefit for SQL Server allows these customers to get four cloud cores for each on-premises core they have when they choose the SQL Database Managed Instance General Purpose option. This deal works well for virtualized tasks and makes transitioning to Managed Instance a cost-effective decision.
Reserved capacity cost for Azure SQL Database
When paired with Azure Hybrid Benefit, save up to 80%.
Our commitment to offering cost cloud solutions is highlighted by the availability of Azure SQL Database reserved capacity plans. Opting for reserved capacity pricing allows you to enjoy savings of up to 33% compared to the license included pricing model. By committing to pre paying for your SQL Database vCores for either one or three years, under this pricing structure. This option can be applied to a subscription. Spread out across multiple subscriptions within your enrollment. You have the flexibility to determine which subscriptions can access these benefits and how they are distributed among them.
Make sure to keep your reserved capacity advantages in place despite changing situations by utilizing the vCore size flexibility that allows you to adjust your scale within your performance level and location effortlessly. Moreover¸ you can smoothly move databases, between pools and individual databases as part of your operational processes.
Save up to 80 percent on costs by pairing reserved capacity discounts with the Azure Hybrid Benefit for SQL Server to streamline your budget planning and forecasting with an payment option that provides clarity for future investments.
To gain understanding on the topic at hand consider referring to Microsoft’s resources such, as the Azure Reserved Instances documentation and the Azure Hybrid Benefit White Paper, for insights.