Microsoft Azure Data FundamentalsDescribe how to work with relational data on AzureMedium

A company is planning to migrate an on-premises SQL Server database to Azure. The database requires full SQL Server compatibility, including SQL Server Agent jobs, cross-database queries, and Linked Servers. Which Azure relational data service is the most appropriate choice for this migration?

  1. AAzure SQL Managed Instance
  2. BAzure SQL Database
  3. CAzure Cosmos DB
  4. DAzure Database for PostgreSQL
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Azure SQL Managed Instance

Azure SQL Managed Instance provides near 100% compatibility with the latest SQL Server (Enterprise Edition) database engine, making it suitable for migrating on-premises SQL Server workloads that require full SQL Server feature set support, including SQL Server Agent and cross-database queries.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. Azure SQL Database (PaaS) offers high compatibility but lacks some SQL Server features like SQL Server Agent and cross-database queries.
  • C. Azure Cosmos DB is a NoSQL database service and is not suitable for migrating relational SQL Server databases.
  • D. Azure Database for PostgreSQL is a different database engine (PostgreSQL) and is not compatible with SQL Server features.

Azure SQL Managed Instance

A fully managed cloud database service that offers near 100% compatibility with the latest SQL Server (Enterprise Edition) database engine.

  • Full SQL Server feature set support (Agent, Linked Servers, cross-database queries).
  • Ideal for lift-and-shift migrations of on-premises SQL Server.
  • Combines PaaS benefits with SQL Server compatibility.

Memory trick: SQL choices: 'DB' for new apps, 'MI' for old apps, 'OTHER' for different engines.

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