Comparing SQL Server Database On-Premises with Azure Offerings

(An updated version of this report is available at https://www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/update/secured/2021/04/sql-server-database-options-azure-premises.)

Microsoft offers multiple options for deploying SQL Server databases, including SQL Server on-premises, SQL Server in Azure Virtual Machines (Azure VMs), Azure SQL Database, and Azure Synapse Analytics (previously SQL Data Warehouse.) The chart uses Enterprise edition for on-premises and highlights differences in key areas, so choosing a deployment scenario includes trade-offs and comparing costs may be difficult.

SQL Server On-Premises

SQL Server on-premises requires customers deploying it to be responsible for all associated data center costs, including hardware, back-end infrastructure, network connectivity, storage, security and authentication, and administration, as well as other servers and software licensing requirements. SQL Server is available in multiple editions with Standard and Enterprise most typically deployed by enterprises.