Azure SQL Data Warehouse Overview

Azure SQL Data Warehouse is a specialized data storage service based on SQL Server 2017, and it offers many of the most common database management features and APIs offered with its on-premises parent. It delivers petabyte-level data storage and high-speed query features and can be used as an alternative to traditional on-premises data warehouse deployments or as a test environment for organizations that want to run query performance trials without substantial investment in on-premises hardware.

Customers with the following characteristics will likely find the service interesting:

• Variable usage, such as monthly or quarterly analysis, where SQL Data Warehouse will be easier to scale without the upfront investment required for an on-premises deployment
• The need to replace an on-premises data warehouse, where existing servers and storage are reaching end of life
• Lack of internal configuration and deployment skills for a high-end data warehouse environment or capital restrictions