Azure SQL Database is a tool that is suitable for organisations currently using cloud computing services, or companies who are planning to use cloud computing services in the future for their database management.
A Fully Managed Service - Azure SQL Database is a fully managed service, meaning that Microsoft maintains the underlying infrastructure, including hardware provisioning, software installation, patching, backups and monitoring. This allows users to focus on building and managing their databases without concerning themselves with infrastructure management tasks as they would have to do if it was hosted on-prem.
Scalability -It possesses scalability features that enables users to quickly and easily scale their databases up or down based on their specific, evolving requirements. This includes options for scaling compute and storage independently, as well as features like auto scaling (up and down) and elastic pools. It also allows users to adjust resources dynamically to handle changes in workload without downtime.
High Availability - It offers built in mechanisms to provide high availability including automatic replication, failover and geo replication across multiple Azure regions. This helps ensure data availability and minimise downtime in the event of hardware failing or disasters. Users can choose different service tiers which provide varying levels of redundancy and availability.
Security - As part of the Microsoft ecosystem, Azure SQL provides solid security features to protect data which includes data encryption at rest and in transit, network isolation, threat detection and advanced authentication and access control options. Users can can take advantage of Azure Active Directory for Identity Management and integrate with the Azure Security Center for additional security insights and recommendations.
Compatibility - It is based on the SQL Server database engine, which means it supports the same T-SQL language and the majority of the same features as SQL Server does.
Integration with Azure Services - Azure SQL Database integrates with other Azure services and tools including Active Directory, Azure Monitor, Azure Data Factory, Azure Logic Apps and Azure DevOps.
Pay For What You Use Pricing - As with other Azure services, Azure SQL operates on a pay for what you use model. Users are able to choose from different service tiers and performance levels to match their specific requirements and budget. Additionally, Azure SQL Database offers options for reserved capacity and serverless compute for cost optimisation.
Azure SQL Database is used by a wide variety of organisations who are using cloud based computing services. As with SQL Server, it can be beneficial for various industries and company sizes depending on their specific requirements. Here are some use cases -
Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) - SMEs use Azure SQL Database for managing their business data in the cloud due to the fact it offers flexible pricing options and a scalable database solution without the need for upfront hardware investments or extensive IT infrastructure management.
Enterprises - Enterprise grade organisations with complex data management needs often use Azure SQL Database for hosting their business critical databases due to the fact that it offers scalability, high availability and inbuilt security features.
SaaS Development Companies - SaaS providers leverage Azure SQL Database for hosting multi-tenant applications and databases, where each customer's data is isolated and securely managed within separate databases. Azure SQL Database's scalability and performance features allow SaaS providers to meet the demands of their ever changing customer base.
Most businesses could likely find some benefit in using Azure SQL as their primary database solution. Those looking to reduce costs, those seeking to scale with ease and those simply looking to modernise their infrastructure. But, general advantages aside, Azure SQL is particularly well suited to certain types of projects. Let's take a look at what they are -
First and foremost, Azure SQL is a rock solid choice for applications with global user bases or unpredictable traffic patterns. Through it's automatic scaling, built in redundancy and secure data access, modern apps are able to perform reliably and consistently anywhere in the world.
For companies that have APIs at the core of their service offering, a dependable, low latency database is absolutely crucial. Azure SQL is perfect for storing and serving structured data efficiently to web apps, mobile clients and third party integrations.
Azure SQL plays a key role not only in fully cloud based environment but also in hybrid cloud strategies. It can serve as a backup or failover environment for on prem SQL Servers which allows businesses to build resilience without duplicating their infrastructure costs.
With 24/7 uptime, high transaction reliability and compliance features, Azure SQL is an excellent backend for web based customer portals where users manage their data, make purchases or need to access services at any time of day.
Thanks to it's integration capabilities with Power BI and Excel, Azure SQL is a great fit for projects involving data analytics, dashboards and automated reporting.
At Cool Code Company, we’ve worked with a wide range of clients to plan, deploy and optimise their database solutions in the cloud - Azure SQL Database being one of the most popular.
Our Nottingham based developers can assess your current setup, understand your specific requirements and advise on the most effective service tier, performance level and cost model. We can also help in migrating your existing SQL Server databases to Azure to give them a new lease of life and give your business access to new features and functionality. Come and have a chat with our friendly team today!
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