How to Choose Azure SQL Configurations That Meet Requirements and Control Costs

• Azure SQL services can host SQL Server databases using the same SQL Server database engine as on-premises SQL Server does.
• These services have preset configurations that rarely meet an application’s performance requirements exactly.
• Most deployments end up with unused capacity in some areas, resulting in wasted expense.
• Customers should weigh the balance between Azure SQL services, focusing on benefits and costs.

Azure SQL services offer a range of options for hosting SQL Server databases, providing the same SQL Server database engine available on-premises in traditional datacenters. The primary benefits of Azure SQL include quick deployment and scaling, reduced management and upfront cost, and other features like automated replicas and backups. However, the services are limited to preset configurations that form a complex matrix of performance tiers and hardware options. It is challenging, if not impossible, to choose a configuration to meet application performance requirements exactly, leading to overprovisioning, unused capacity, and wasted expense.