Azure SQL and Azure Database for PostgreSQL

Managed relational databases

Azure SQL Database is a managed SQL Server engine: Azure handles patching, backups (with point-in-time restore) and high availability. Purchasing models include vCore (choose compute and storage separately) and DTU (bundled units). The serverless compute tier auto-scales and can auto-pause when idle, which suits dev databases and spiky workloads; elastic pools share resources among many small databases, useful for SaaS apps with a database per customer. Azure SQL Managed Instance offers near-complete SQL Server compatibility for lift-and-shift. For open-source engines, Azure Database for PostgreSQL – Flexible Server and Azure Database for MySQL – Flexible Server provide managed instances with zone-redundant HA options. For disaster recovery across regions, Azure SQL offers active geo-replication and failover groups, which give a listener endpoint that follows the primary.

A serverless Azure SQL database with Entra-only authentication

Using Entra authentication avoids SQL passwords entirely.

az sql server create -g rg-shop-dev-cin -n sql-shop-dev -l centralindia \
  --enable-ad-only-auth \
  --external-admin-principal-type Group \
  --external-admin-name shop-dba --external-admin-sid <group-object-id>

az sql db create -g rg-shop-dev-cin -s sql-shop-dev -n shopdb \
  --edition GeneralPurpose --compute-model Serverless \
  --family Gen5 --capacity 2 --auto-pause-delay 60

Renting a serviced apartment

A VM with SQL Server installed is renting an empty flat: you fix the plumbing. Azure SQL Database is a serviced apartment: cleaning, repairs and security are included; you just live there, within the house rules.

Quick check: A development database is idle most nights and weekends. Which Azure SQL option reduces cost most directly?

• Business Critical tier
• Active geo-replication
• SQL Managed Instance
• Serverless compute tier with auto-pause