Azure Database for PostgreSQL, MySQL; Grow and Move

• Two Azure open-source SQL offerings for PostgreSQL and MySQL increase deployment sizes and add management tools to meet enterprise demands.
• PostgreSQL Hyperscale moves to Cosmos DB to leverage global scaling, but Flexible Server is unaffected.
• The MariaDB service is stalled, although Microsoft still allows customers to deploy unsupported versions.

Azure open-source SQL PaaS offerings for PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MariaDB provide current community editions and a lower-cost alternative to Microsoft’s SQL Server products. (See the illustration “Azure Open-Source SQL Offerings Overview and Timelines”.) Although Microsoft’s lack of investment in the MariaDB service indicates it will be retired, the continued investment in the PostgreSQL and MySQL services solidify their places in Azure’s future: key updates focus on supporting complex business needs with more replication options, larger VM size, and security and management features that address previous shortcomings.

PostgreSQL

The PostgreSQL database product continues to grow in popularity, which is likely driving Microsoft’s decision to host the SQL Server competitor in Azure and continue to invest in the service. Some of the updated capabilities are the result of newer PostgreSQL releases (specifically version 14), while other updates focus on the service’s back-end, improved security, and links to other Azure services. All updates are exclusive to the Flexible Server deployment option, as Hyperscale moves to Azure Cosmos DB (discussed below) and Single Server faces retirement in Nov. 2024.