SQL Server 2016 On-Premises Compared to Azure Offerings

Microsoft offers multiple SQL Server database deployment options, including SQL Server on-premises, SQL Server in Azure Virtual Machines (VMs), and Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Data Warehouse, which are Azure-hosted relational database services. In general, the options support many of the most common SQL Server database and development features and management tools. However, they differ in control of the hosting environment, automated scaling and disaster recovery, database size, and availability of advanced features. Choosing a deployment scenario includes trade-offs, and comparing costs may be difficult.

SQL Server and Azure-Hosted SQL Services Overview

In general, the four deployment options offer many of the most common features and APIs of the full SQL Server database management system, including support for the T-SQL query language and popular development tools. Administrators can manage any of the databases with the same tools used for SQL Server on-premises, although the Azure services also provide their own tools. (For a comparison of features and cost components, see the chart “Comparing SQL Server Features On-Premises with Azure Offerings“.)