Migrating to Azure SQL Managed Instance: Reasons and implications
Azure SQL Managed Instance (MI) is a highly-efficient Azure service that allows combining the broadest SQL Server database compatibility with numerous benefits of a fully managed PaaS (Platform as a Service). MI provides a much higher degree of capability than Azure SQL Database DTU and vCore service levels.
Read this blog post to know the main reasons and implications of migrating to Azure SQL MI. Also, get to know how ABCloudz specialists can help you migrate quickly and efficiently.
Why Azure SQL MI?
To begin with, let’s establish why migrating to Azure SQL MI is a good idea. This deployment model is almost 100% compatible with the latest SQL Server on-premises. Besides, Azure SQL MI provides a business model that is favorable for on-premises SQL Server customers. One more important benefit of Azure SQL MI is that it provides a native virtual network (VNet) that helps you address the most common security concerns.
With Azure SQL MI, existing SQL Server customers can lift-and-shift their on-premises apps to the cloud with minimal changes. Meanwhile, Azure SQL MI preserves all PaaS capabilities, such as automatic version updates and patching, automated backups, and high availability. This drastically reduces management overhead and the total cost of ownership.
Here are some more reasons to rely on Azure SQL MI:
1. Microsoft practically gives it away to those clients that have an on-premises SQL Server Enterprise Agreement
Azure is one of Microsoft’s top priorities. They realize the great potential of cloud technologies and want to leverage their development. In particular, they have launched numerous promotions for those SQL Server users who are interested in shifting to Azure. The company offers extended support for up to 3 years to the clients who move their SQL Server databases to the Azure cloud.
2. Azure SQL MI is “nearly” 100% compatible with on-premises SQL Server 2019
For those who already run SQL Server 2019 on-premises, migration to Azure SQL MI will be a simple lift-and-shift. The Azure cloud will bring users of SQL Server 2019 better scalability, more efficient data management, and seamless data recovery options.
If you wonder why we put the word “nearly” in the quotation marks, the reason is that there are some exceptions. In particular, Microsoft has published its list of T-SQL commands that are not compatible with MI. DMA may help you identify incompatible statements, but there is a small issue. DMA is suitable only for static analysis of your database. Meanwhile, many incompatible statements may be contained in operational scripts or app code. Don’t let this issue prevent you from leveraging Azure SQL MI. Rely on our database migration specialists. We have all the required competencies and technologies to identify and cope with such incompatibilities.
3. Azure SQL MI is fully managed, and there’s no need to worry about backups and patching
One of the greatest advantages of a MI system is that it’s fully managed. This releases you or your Database Architect from administrative work required for supervising a database. Patching or updating your SQL Server will no longer bother you because these processes are automated. Instead, you can focus on adding value to your organization and introducing new services or features.
4. Azure SQL MI ensures high availability
Microsoft puts all of its weight to ensure the availability of Azure. However, how can you make SQL itself be available? Use Always On Failover Clusters and Always on Availability Groups to set up your high availability. All you should do is select the deployment option. Disaster recovery provided by SQL Server 2019 will protect you from any issues related to shifts in your database.
5. Azure SQL Managed instance is constantly developing and adding new features
Recently, Microsoft has announced the launch of a feature for Azure SQL Managed Instance that allows using Azure SQL MI as AlwaysOn DR replica for your SQL Servers hosted anywhere. This new feature provides several benefits:
- Seamless online migration of your databases to Azure SQL MI;
- Transfer of offload workloads to Azure MI DR instances, for example, PowerBI Reports.
Final thoughts
Now that you see the main benefits of migrating to Azure SQL MI, it’s just about time to consider such an option. This will significantly improve your database management and its efficiency.
Questions? Don’t hesitate to ask ABCloudz specialists for more insights on Azure SQL MI migration. Ask us for a consultation to understand the main implications of migrating to Azure SQL MI better. Contact us to see how we can help you implement even the most ambitious database migration plans.
