There are a few flavours of Azure SQL so we thought it could be helpful to go into each in more detail. Today, we are focussing on Azure SQL Managed Instance (SQL MI for short) and some of the advantages of using this exciting database technology.
Firstly, Azure SQL Managed Instance is part of the Azure SQL family of managed, secure, and intelligent products that use the SQL Server database engine in the Azure cloud.
Azure SQL Managed Instance is a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offering and is best for most migrations to the cloud. SQL Managed Instance is a collection of system and user databases with a shared set of resources that is lift-and-shift ready.
Let’s take a look at the features in more detail:
Always the latest version of SQL
Azure SQL Managed Instance is built on the SQL Server engine and with this PaaS you will run from the very latest version of SQL Server, this also includes updates and upgrades. You therefore always automatically have access to the latest SQL features and functionality.
SQL Server Compatibility
We have mentioned that SQL MI is lift-and-shift ready, you can therefore move your apps without worrying about compatibility or performance changes. SQL Managed Instance (by design) maintains the highest SQL Server compatibility levels so features like cross-database queries, linked server, and support for Windows authentication are all transferrable.
Boost Database Administrator Productivity
DBAs (Database Administrators) are assisted with features to make their data platform management more effective. These powerful features include built-in high availability, accelerated database recovery, automated backups and AI-powered automatic tuning to optimise performance.
Maintain Workload Isolation
With Azure SQL Managed Instance you have the opportunity of full networking isolation for your workloads through native VNET support. You can maintain full control over inbound and outbound traffic where the SQL Managed Instance is deployed.
That concludes our brief introduction to Azure SQL Managed Instance. Coming soon, we’ll take a deeper look into the Azure SQL family members. Next up is SQL Server on Azure VMs.
Digital Samurai
Digital Samurai live and breathe SQL Server, and now Azure SQL – which is built on SQL Server. We would love to hear what plans you have for your Data Platforms whether you are working on-premises with SQL Server, thinking of migrating to the cloud or have even been ‘born in the cloud’!
With our team of SQL Server and Azure SQL experts we offer help in all areas (upgrades, migrations, management, analytics, security …) and are a friendly bunch so please feel free to get in touch!
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