Choosing between SQL Managed Instance and Azure SQL Database
depends on your requirements and use cases. Here are some key factors
to consider:
SQL Managed Instance
1. Compatibility: Near
100% compatibility with SQL Server, making it ideal for lift-and-shift
migrations with minimal changes
2. Feature
Support: Supports features like SQL CLR, Resource Governor, and nearly
all system stored procedures
3. Networking: Uses
native virtual network (VNet) implementation for enhanced security and
isolation
4. Multi-Database
Support: Allows cross-database queries and transactions
5. Use
Case: Best for applications that require high compatibility with SQL
Server, including legacy applications and those needing advanced SQL Server
features
Azure SQL Database
1. Scalability:
Offers dynamic scalability with options to scale up or down based on workload
needs
2. High
Availability: Built-in high availability with a 99.99% SLA, including
automated backups and geo-replication
3. Automatic
Tuning: Features like automatic indexing and query performance tuning
to optimize database performance
4. Multi-Model
Capabilities: Supports JSON, XML, and graph data processing
5. Use
Case: Ideal for modern cloud applications requiring high
availability, scalability, and advanced security features
Decision Factors
·
Migration Needs: If
you need to migrate existing SQL Server applications with minimal changes, SQL
Managed Instance is the better choice
·
Feature Requirements: If
your application relies on features like SQL CLR, Resource Governor, or
cross-database queries, SQL Managed Instance is more suitable
·
Scalability and Modernization: For
applications that need dynamic scalability and modern cloud capabilities, Azure
SQL Database is a great fit
