Azure SQL Edge Delivers Database, Machine Learning to IoT

• The Azure SQL Edge software offers data management, machine learning and stream processing for point-of-sale, factory floor control, and other edge and Internet of Things scenarios.
• Compatibility with SQL Server enables organizations to reuse existing tools and skills.
• SQL Edge offers more capabilities than other small-footprint SQL Server options.
• It requires Linux and an Azure subscription, which may limit its adoption.

Azure SQL Edge is a deployment option (outside of Azure) that includes a special edition of SQL Server’s database engine, a local data streaming engine, and open source machine learning components. The offering is optimized for low-powered devices, gateways, or edge servers running near Internet of Things (IoT) devices and may help address device constraints that prevent deploying the full SQL Server product on such devices. However, SQL Edge does not have all the features of SQL Server on-premises, is Linux only, requires IoT Edge or containers, and is available only through an Azure subscription.