Azure SQL Database has become a popular choice for businesses of all sizes due to its ease of use, scalability, and security features. But beyond the familiar functionalities, some surprising and interesting facts about Azure SQL Database might pique your curiosity.
In this blog post, we will see some interesting facts about the world of Azure SQL Database, uncovering ten fascinating facts that showcase its capabilities and potential benefits for your organization. (Interesting facts about Azure SQL Database)
1) What was the original project name?
Did you know that Azure SQL Database was one of the first cloud database services offered by a major vendor? Launched in 2010, it predates many popular cloud services we use today. This early adoption by Microsoft positioned Azure SQL Database as a leader in cloud-based database solutions, paving the way for its current widespread adoption. While the delivery method has shifted to the cloud, Azure SQL Database remains built on the trusted SQL Server database engine, providing a familiar development experience for existing SQL users.
2) Globally Distributed for Peak Performance
Unlike traditional on-premises databases, Azure SQL Database boasts a globally distributed architecture. Microsoft operates a vast network of data centers strategically located around the world. This allows you to choose the geographic region closest to your users, minimizing latency and ensuring optimal performance for your applications. This global reach also enhances disaster recovery capabilities, as your data can be easily replicated to another region in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Read More: Introduction to Azure SQL Database: A Comprehensive Guide
3) Always on the Cutting Edge
One of the most interesting facts about Azure SQL Database is its commitment to staying ahead of the curve. Often, new features and functionalities are rolled out first on Azure SQL Database before making their way to the on-premises version of SQL Server. This allows Microsoft to gather valuable feedback from cloud users and refine these features before a broader release. By choosing Azure SQL Database, you gain access to the latest database technologies and stay at the forefront of data management innovation.
4) Scaling on Demand: Your Data, Your Way
Gone are the days of static database capacities. Azure SQL Database offers unparalleled scalability, allowing you to adjust your database resources effortlessly based on fluctuating workloads. Need to handle a sudden surge in traffic or user activity? Simply scale your database computing and storage resources up with a few clicks. Conversely, during periods of lower activity, you can scale down to optimize costs. This on-demand flexibility ensures your database can adapt to your ever-changing business needs.
5) Security Woven into the Fabric
Security is paramount when dealing with sensitive data. Azure SQL Database prioritizes data security with a multi-layered approach. Microsoft utilizes robust security features and industry-standard compliance certifications to safeguard your information. Features like built-in threat protection, data encryption at rest and in transit, and granular access controls ensure that only authorized users can access your data. Additionally, Azure adheres to strict data residency regulations, allowing you to maintain control over where your data is stored.
6) Built for the Intelligent Cloud
Azure SQL Database isn’t just a standalone service. It’s designed to seamlessly integrate with other Azure services, creating a powerful ecosystem for building and deploying cloud-based applications. This integration enables functionalities like real-time analytics with Azure Synapse Analytics, serverless computing with Azure Functions, and machine learning with Azure Machine Learning. This tight integration streamlines data processing workflows and unlocks new possibilities for data-driven insights.
7) Cost Optimization: Pay as You Go
With Azure SQL Database, you only pay for the resources you use. This pay-as-you-go pricing model eliminates the upfront costs associated with traditional on-premises database deployments. Additionally, Azure offers various pricing tiers with different performance and cost characteristics, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your budget and workload requirements. This cost-effective approach frees up capital for other business priorities while ensuring you have access to the database resources you need.
8) Built-in Intelligence for Performance Optimization
Azure SQL Database goes beyond simply storing your data. It actively monitors your database performance and provides intelligent recommendations for optimization. This includes features like automatic tuning, which analyzes query workloads and adjusts indexes for optimal performance. Additionally, Azure SQL Database offers insights into resource utilization and potential bottlenecks, allowing you to proactively manage your database environment and ensure peak efficiency.
9) Disaster Recovery Made Simple
Data loss can be catastrophic for any business. Azure SQL Database offers built-in disaster recovery capabilities with features like automated backups and geo-replication. Automated backups ensure you always have a recent copy of your data in case of unforeseen events.
10) Other Interesting facts about Azure SQL Database
- The recovery model is FULL and you cannot change this
- Backups are automatically scheduled and taken and you cannot perform manual database backup
- You cannot download/watch automated backups
- No SQL agent but you can automate using Azure Automation Runbooks and/or Elastic Jobs and/or Windows scheduler. A widely used one is Elastic Jobs
- Restore with Overwrite not supported on Azure SQL DB
- The deleted database also can be restored within the limit of the t retention period, but once you delete the server not possible to restore the backup from the portal.
- By default, the database is READ_COMMITTED_SNAPHOT isolation
- You can’t enable the trace flag in the Azure SQL DB model
- You can’t keep the database in Single User mode. This won’t work
- ALTER DATABASE DBA SET SINGLE_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE
- You can’t make the database Offline. This won’t work
- ALTER DATABASE DBA SET OFFLINE WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE
- You need to rename the database or revoke the access for the application user to stop the application from connecting to the database.
| ALTER DATABASE DBA MODIFY NAME = DBA_Old REVOKE CONNECT FROM ApplicationUser |