Azure SQL database V/S Azure SQL Virtual Machine
Azure SQL Database
Azure SQL Database is the intelligent, scalable, relational database service built for the cloud. It is evergreen and always up to date, with AI-powered and automated features that optimise performance and durability for you. Serverless compute and Hyperscale storage options automatically scale resources on-demand, so you can focus on building new applications without worrying about storage size or resource management.
· Supports most on-premises database-level capabilities.
· The most commonly used SQL Server features are available.
· 99.995% availability guaranteed.
· Built-in backups, patching, recovery.
· Latest stable Database Engine version.
· Ability to assign necessary resources (CPU/storage) to individual databases.
· Built-in advanced intelligence and security.
· Online change of resources (CPU/storage).
. On-premises application can access data in Azure SQL Database.
. Private IP address cannot be assigned (you can limit the access using firewall rules).
Azure SQL Virtual Machine
SQL virtual machines in Azure are lift-and-shift ready for existing applications that require fast migration to the cloud with minimal changes or no changes. SQL virtual machines offer full administrative control over the SQL Server instance and underlying OS for migration to Azure.
. You have full control over the SQL Server engine. Supports all on-premises capabilities.
· Up to 99.99% availability.
· Full parity with the matching version of the on-premises SQL Server.
· Fixed, well-known Database Engine version.
· Easy migration from SQL Server.
· Private IP address within Azure Virtual Network.
· You have the ability to deploy application or services on the host where SQL Server is placed.
Comparision
Which one is more secure?
- The VM Machine in Azure is more secure than the SQL Azure Database because you can configure and restrict the IPs that access to the VM Machines. The passwords can be protected using the OS security.
- In SQL Azure Database, if you have the credentials you can basically steal all the information from any device by default. When you need to connect with other tools, it is secure and it requires certificates or other security tools, but the Web Portal can be accessed anytime and anywhere.
Which service to choose?
- If you already have an infrastructure and a SQL team that can handle the VM machines in Azure, it is a good option the work with Virtual Machines.
- The Azure SQL is the best option if you have a new application and you do not have many resources or time to administer a SQL Server Database and you have a low budget, this option is the best.
Which one is easier to learn?
- The SQL Azure Database is easier to use and administer.
- The VM Machine in Azure is as difficult as a local machine. You need to work on the OS Administration as well as the traditional DBA tasks.
- By the other hand, the SQL Azure Database is a simple database. You do not need to worry about the Administration of the Database. If want to improve the performance, you just need to pay more and that is all.
Costing
SQL Server on Azure VM
· 1 Cores, 24 USD per month, Web Edition
· 16 Cores, 95 USD per month, Web Edition.
· 16 Cores, 1190 USD per month, Standard Edition
· 16 Cores, 4464 USD per month, Enterprise Edition
Azure SQL Database
· 2 GB Database, 5 DTUs, 5 USD per month.
· 250 GB Database, 50 DTUs, 75 USD per month.
· 500 GB Database, 250 DTUs, 930 USD per month.
· 1 TB Database, 1750 DTUs, 7000 USD per month.
**The USD can be changed depending upon the region.
Additional Information
- More details on the different aspects for the comparison — https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/azure-sql-iaas-vs-paas-what-is-overview
