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Azure SQL Database

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Company health

Employee growth
3% increase in the last year
Web traffic
11% decrease in the last quarter

Ratings

G2
4.5/5
(324)

Azure SQL Database description

Azure SQL Database is a cloud-based version of Microsoft SQL Server, eliminating the need for you to manage your own database servers. This secure and reliable service is designed for building applications and websites of all sizes, and lets you use common programming languages. Azure SQL Database promises high performance without the hassle of managing physical infrastructure.


Who is Azure SQL Database best for

Azure SQL Database is a cloud-based SQL server ideal for businesses of all sizes, especially those already using Microsoft products. It simplifies database management with easy setup, scalability, and integration with other Azure services. Users praise its ease of use and reliability, but some find the pricing complex.

  • Ideal for small, medium, and large businesses.

  • Best fit for software and IT companies.


Azure SQL Database features

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need
Supported

Azure SQL Database is deployed and managed in the cloud.

Supported

Azure SQL Database supports T-SQL for querying, with some limitations compared to SQL Server.

Supported

Azure SQL Database supports Multi-AZ deployments for enhanced availability.

Supported

Azure SQL Database allows dynamic scaling of compute and storage resources to meet changing demands.

Supported

Azure SQL Database supports SQL queries, including Transact-SQL, via various tools.

Supported

Azure SQL Database supports secure replication as a subscriber from SQL Server and Azure SQL Managed Instance.

Supported

Azure SQL Database supports role-based access control through server and database roles.

Qualities

We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software

Value and Pricing Transparency

Rather negative
-0.42

Customer Service

Rather positive
+0.53

Ease of Use

Strongly positive
+0.86

Reliability and Performance

Strongly positive
+0.81

Ease of Implementation

Rather positive
+0.53

Scalability

Strongly positive
+0.91

Azure SQL Database reviews

We've summarised 299 Azure SQL Database reviews (Azure SQL Database G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of Azure SQL Database
  • Easy to use and implement, especially for users familiar with SQL Server.
  • High availability and disaster recovery features provide excellent uptime.
  • Scalability options allow for easy adjustment of resources based on demand.
  • Seamless integration with other Azure services.
  • Strong security features, including data encryption and firewall rules
Cons of Azure SQL Database
  • Complex pricing model can be confusing and difficult to understand.
  • Limited control over server configurations compared to on-premises solutions.
  • Occasional performance issues, especially with large datasets or lower pricing tiers.
  • Lack of full compatibility with all on-premises SQL Server features, such as CLR support and some system views.
  • Customer support response times can be slow at times

Azure SQL Database pricing

The commentary is based on 88 reviews from Azure SQL Database G2 reviews.

Azure SQL Database offers powerful features like scalability and high availability, but reviews indicate its pricing model can be complex and potentially expensive, especially for smaller businesses or those with less experience. Some users find the cost difficult to predict and manage.

Users sentiment

Rather negative
-0.42

Azure SQL Database alternatives

  • Logo of Microsoft SQL Server
    Microsoft SQL Server
    Better for organizations needing on-premise or hybrid deployments. A good SQL Server alternative for companies prioritizing full T-SQL compatibility and extensive on-premise support. Offers broader industry applicability across various sectors.
    Read more
  • Logo of SQLTreeo Healthcheck
    SQLTreeo Healthcheck
    More focused on health and security analysis of existing Azure SQL Databases. A better Azure SQL Database alternative for medium and large businesses needing proactive database maintenance. Not suitable for building and managing databases.
    Read more
  • Logo of Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Web on Windows Server 2019
    Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Web on Windows Server 2019
    Requires managing the underlying Windows Server instance, offering less automation compared to Azure SQL Database. Has slower website traffic growth, indicating potentially less momentum in the market.
    Read more
  • Logo of MongoDB Atlas
    MongoDB Atlas
    Better for developers due to its flexible, schema-less data model and user-friendly interface. A strong MongoDB Atlas alternative for those prioritizing ease of use and scalability but with potentially higher costs. Has more momentum currently.
    Read more
  • Logo of Google Cloud BigQuery
    Google Cloud BigQuery
    Better for data warehousing and big data analytics. A serverless architecture simplifies infrastructure management. Offers built-in machine learning capabilities and strong Google Cloud Platform integration. However, it has a steeper learning curve and potentially higher costs. Consider this Azure SQL Database competitor for large datasets and real-time analytics.
    Read more
  • Logo of mSQL
    mSQL
    Better for users with limited resources. A good Azure SQL Database alternative for those prioritizing simplicity and speed, especially with read-heavy operations. Not suitable for large datasets or those requiring advanced features.
    Read more

Azure SQL Database FAQ

  • What is Azure SQL Database and what does Azure SQL Database do?

    Azure SQL Database is a fully managed cloud database service that handles all the patching, backups, and updates for you. It offers built-in intelligence for performance and security, seamlessly integrating with other Azure services. This scalable solution fits applications of any size, from simple web apps to complex enterprise systems.

  • How does Azure SQL Database integrate with other tools?

    Azure SQL Database integrates seamlessly with other Azure services, enhancing its functionality. It supports various tools for SQL queries, including Transact-SQL. Furthermore, secure replication is possible from SQL Server and Azure SQL Managed Instance.

  • What the main competitors of Azure SQL Database?

    Top Azure SQL Database competitors include Snowflake, Amazon RDS for SQL Server, Google Cloud SQL for SQL Server, and MySQL. These alternatives offer similar relational database capabilities with varying strengths in scalability, pricing, and features.

  • Is Azure SQL Database legit?

    Yes, Azure SQL Database is a legitimate and safe cloud-based database service from Microsoft. It offers high availability, scalability, and strong security features, making it a reliable choice for businesses of all sizes. It's seamlessly integrated with other Azure services.

  • How much does Azure SQL Database cost?

    Azure SQL Database pricing depends on several factors like service tier, compute resources, and storage. Explore the various pricing options on Microsoft's Azure website to determine what fits your needs and budget. Product pricing details are not publicly listed on Gralio.

  • Is Azure SQL Database customer service good?

    Azure SQL Database customer support receives mixed reviews. Some users mention helpful and responsive support, while others have experienced slow response times and difficulty resolving complex issues. Despite some negative feedback, most users find the support satisfactory.


Reviewed by

MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.