Microsoft Azure SQL Database Reviews

Users experience reduced infrastructure costs with Microsoft Azure SQL Database, gaining scalability and flexibility. Pricing is based on usage, helping control costs, while hybrid licensing offers savings over time. Elastic Pool reduces expenses for multiple databases. ROI can range from 30% to 50%, depending on needs and patterns, increasing after the first year. Moving to cloud services eliminates capital expenses associated with on-premises deployment, contributing to efficient cost management.

Microsoft Azure SQL Database's pricing, while competitive, is perceived as high, especially for large enterprises or extended usage. Licensing operates on a subscription model with pay-as-you-go and annual options, impacting cost predictability. Azure offers various plans based on storage and resource needs, and enterprise agreements may cut costs. Elasticity and scalability add value, but users must manage resource usage to avoid unexpected expenses. Free versions exist, but full deployment requires a licensed plan.

• "From a licensing benefit standpoint, we have clients who are coming with their own SQL licensing with Software Assurance, and they are able to use those licenses for their Azure SQL and reduce costs."
• "If we use a smaller or free-sized Microsoft Azure SQL Database, it is extremely cost-effective and much cheaper than on-premise enterprise licenses, which are expensive."
• "Microsoft Azure SQL Database is not cheap."

Microsoft Azure SQL Database is used for continuous integration, centralized marketplaces, content management, financial transactions, accounting, and ERP solutions. It supports a wide range of applications including database management, business intelligence, data warehousing, and application backends. Users deploy it for hosting infrastructure, relational data storage, analytics, SQL application migration, enterprise applications, and transactional systems. Its scalability adapts to varying workload demands, commonly utilized in cloud migrations and development environments.

Microsoft Azure SQL Database's customer service and support receive mixed feedback. Users often describe the technical support as knowledgeable and responsive, with good documentation. However, obtaining support can sometimes be challenging due to long response times and difficulty reaching the right team. Large customers benefit more, with dedicated resources and proactive engagement. Numerous online resources and training are available, which help many users, reducing the need for direct support interactions.

Many found Microsoft Azure SQL Database's initial setup to be straightforward and user-friendly, benefiting from pre-configured tools and cloud infrastructure. Setup durations varied: some completed it in minutes, while others spent hours or days. Some users faced challenges, especially with complex configurations, data migration, or security settings. Despite occasional complexity, users with prior SQL experience often navigated the setup smoothly, appreciating the cloud-based convenience and Microsoft’s resources for support and training.

Microsoft Azure SQL Database is highly scalable, praised for its flexibility and ease of expansion. Users across organizations commend its ability to handle increased loads seamlessly and emphasize the simplicity of adjusting performance specifications. Known for offering multiple tiers and layers, Azure SQL supports diverse scaling needs. While some point out the importance of managing costs, most find Microsoft's database infrastructure effectively supports growth, allowing quick scalability without extensive manual interventions.

Users frequently highlight stable Microsoft Azure SQL Database with minimal issues. They mention its reliable performance, security features, and consistent connectivity. While some note latency and availability challenges, especially over long distances, others appreciate the improved experience after optimization. Users rate stability highly, often at or near ten out of ten. The concerns involve database design and risk planning. Overall, companies find Azure SQL to be a trustworthy platform supporting their operational needs efficiently.