SQL Server, managed for you, on Azure SQL.
Azure SQL runs your databases as a managed service with automatic backups, patching and high availability. We choose the right option, migrate your data and tune it.
What Azure SQL covers
What is Azure SQL?
Azure SQL is a family of Microsoft SQL Server based services in the cloud. Azure SQL Database is a fully managed database for new and modern applications. Azure SQL Managed Instance offers near full compatibility with on premises SQL Server for easier migration. SQL Server on an Azure VM gives complete control of the server.
Many business applications, from accounting and ERP to custom software, run on SQL Server. Moving the database to Azure can remove the burden of server maintenance, backups and high availability.
Choosing between the options is the main decision. Managed services reduce administration but have some limits. A VM keeps full compatibility at the cost of more management.
Azure SQL Database includes automatic backups with point in time restore, built in high availability with a high uptime commitment, and options such as elastic pools and serverless compute that suit variable demand.
Managed Instance fits applications that rely on SQL Server features such as SQL Agent jobs and cross database queries, while still taking care of patching and backup.
What Azure SQL can do.
Azure SQL Database
A fully managed database with single database, elastic pool and serverless options.
SQL Managed Instance
Near full SQL Server compatibility with managed patching, backup and availability.
SQL Server on Azure VMs
Full control and compatibility for applications that need it.
Automatic backups and point in time restore
Built in backups with retention options and long term retention.
High availability and geo replication
Built in redundancy plus failover groups across regions.
Security features
Encryption by default, Entra ID authentication, auditing and threat detection.
Elastic scale
Change size as demand changes, including serverless auto pause.
Azure Hybrid Benefit
Use existing SQL licences with Software Assurance to cut cost.
How Azure SQL works.
Assess
Check compatibility, size and dependencies of each database.
Choose
Select SQL Database, Managed Instance or VM based on needs.
Migrate
Move data with minimal downtime and test applications.
Tune and protect
Optimize performance, security and cost, with monitoring.
What happens behind the scenes.
The assessment tools scan your SQL Server for features that would block or change behaviour in each Azure option. Data is then moved using backup and restore, or continuous replication with Azure Database Migration Service, followed by a short cutover when the application is pointed to the new database.
In Azure SQL Database, Microsoft handles patching, backup and high availability, and you connect through a secured endpoint, ideally a private one. Performance is tuned using built in insights, indexing recommendations and sizing reviews.
How it benefits your business.
Moving to managed SQL reduces the operational risk that comes with databases: missed backups, unpatched servers and single points of failure. The business gets better uptime with less administration.
It also supports growth. Databases can be scaled up for busy periods and down afterwards, and new reports and integrations can connect more easily.
Security improves as well. Encryption, auditing and threat detection are built in, and access can be tied to your Entra ID accounts.
The benefits at a glance.
Less administration
Microsoft patches and backs up the platform.
Built in availability
Redundancy and failover options.
Scales on demand
Resize or auto pause serverless databases.
Stronger security
Encryption, auditing and threat detection.
Lower licence cost
Hybrid Benefit and reservations.
Data in Canada
Canadian regions for residency.
Pricing: Billed by compute and storage size, service tier and licensing. Azure Hybrid Benefit and reserved capacity can lower the cost. Azure prices and features change, so we confirm current pricing and design to a budget before you commit.
What this looks like day to day.
A business runs its operations system on a SQL Server 2014 instance that is out of support. After an assessment, Infinity moves the database to Azure SQL Managed Instance, keeps its scheduled jobs and reports working, and points the application to the new endpoint over a private connection. The old server is retired.
This is an illustrative example of how the service is used, not a description of a specific client.
Mistakes we see, and how we avoid them.
Choosing the wrong option
Some applications need Managed Instance or a VM. Assess before deciding.
Ignoring latency
Applications that stay on site while the database moves can slow down. Plan placement.
Over provisioning
Large tiers waste money. Start modestly and monitor.
Public database endpoints
Databases reachable from the internet are targets. Use private endpoints.
Azure SQL with Infinity.
Database assessment
Compatibility and size analysis.
Learn moreMigration
Backup and restore or continuous replication with a short cutover.
Learn moreSecurity hardening
Private access, auditing and encryption.
Learn moreBackup and recovery
Retention and restore testing.
Learn morePerformance and cost tuning
Indexing, sizing and reservations.
Learn moreOngoing management
Monitoring, patching of VM based SQL and reviews.
Learn moreWhich Azure SQL option is right for us?
It depends on the application. New or simple applications suit Azure SQL Database. Applications relying on SQL Server features often suit Managed Instance. Some need a VM. We assess before recommending.
Will our application still work?
Usually, with testing. We check compatibility and test before cutover.
Is it cheaper than running SQL Server ourselves?
Often when you include hardware, licensing, backup and administration. We model it first.
Are backups included?
Yes. Azure SQL Database and Managed Instance include automatic backups with point in time restore, and long term retention is available.
Can we keep data in Canada?
Yes, by deploying in Canadian regions and choosing region appropriate redundancy.
Talk to us about Azure SQL.
Book a free consultation. We will look at your current setup and show you where it fits.
Tell us about your IT.
We answer almost every inquiry within one business day.