Updated: May 31, 2023 (January 3, 2023)

SQL Server 2022 Azure-Connected Features: Pros and Cons

Andrew analyzes and writes about Microsoft's data management, business intelligence, and machine learning solutions, as well as aspects of licensing... more

SQL Server 2022 promises unique capabilities that connect to Azure services, simplifying deployments and delivering advanced features.
Connecting to Azure services creates trade-offs in functionality, new points of failure, and dependencies on other Azure services that increase cost.
Some features require database redesign, and others limit SQL Server’s useful life, resulting in more frequent upgrades and a lower return on investment.

SQL Server 2022 became generally available in Nov. 2022. It promises to be the most “Azure-enabled” version ever, leveraging Azure services for customers with hybrid Azure/on-premises deployments and customers attempting to manage databases in multiple clouds. The features can help consolidate processes, meet offsite recovery requirements, and improve regulatory compliance. However, they also require new SQL Server components, trade-offs, and dependencies that are not well advertised. The Azure-connected features should be approached cautiously, as they require new management techniques, and some can shorten SQL Server version life well below the traditional 10-year support life span.

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