Microsoft has announced the public preview of Azure SQL Database Managed Instance. I blogged about this before. This will lead to a title wave of on-prem SQL Server database migrations to the cloud. In summary:
Managed Instance is an expansion of the existing SQL Database service, providing a third deployment option alongside single databases and elastic pools. It is designed to enable database lift-and-shift to a fully-managed service, without re-designing the application. SQL Database Managed Instance provides the broadest SQL Server engine compatibility and native virtual network (VNET) support so you can migrate your SQL Server databases to SQL Database without changing your apps. It combines the rich SQL Server surface area with the operational and financial benefits of an intelligent, fully-managed service.
Two other related items that are available:
- Azure Hybrid Benefit for SQL Server on Azure SQL Database Managed Instance. The Azure Hybrid Benefit for SQL Server is an Azure-based benefit that enables customers to use their SQL Server licenses with Software Assurance to save up to 30% on SQL Database Managed Instance. Exclusive to Azure, the hybrid benefit will provide an additional benefit for highly-virtualized Enterprise Edition workloads with active Software Assurance: for every 1 core a customer owns on-premises, they will receive 4 vCores of Managed Instance General Purpose. This makes moving virtualized applications to Managed Instance highly cost-effective.
- Database Migration Services for Azure SQL Database Managed Instance. Using the fully-automated Database Migration Service (DMS) in Azure, customers can easily lift and shift their on-premises SQL Server databases to a SQL Database Managed Instance. DMS is a fully managed, first party Azure service that enables seamless and frictionless migrations from heterogeneous database sources to Azure Database platforms with minimal downtime. It will provide customers with assessment reports that guide them through the changes required prior to performing a migration. When the customer is ready, the DMS will perform all the steps associated with the migration process.
More info:
Migrate your databases to a fully managed service with Azure SQL Database Managed Instance
What is Azure SQL Database Managed Instance?
Video Introducing Azure SQL Database Managed Instance
Azure SQL Database Managed Instance – the Good, the Bad, the Ugly
