Automatic Automatic Tuning

Calculating DTU's for Azure SQL Database

This calculator will help you determine the number of DTUs for your existing SQL Server database(s) as well as a recommendation of the minimum performance level and service tier that you need before you migrate to Azure SQL Database.

New Azure SQL Database Standard Tier Sizes

Tim Radney of SQLskills talks about the various Standard tiers available in Azure SQL Database – what they get you, and how much they cost.

How to use Azure SQL Database features and settings

Vitor Montalvao explains how to work with the basic configuration settings for a SQL Azure database from the Microsoft Azure portal itself.

Azure SQL Database Virtual Network Service Endpoints and Rules

One of the most commonly requested Azure SQL Database features has been support for more granular control of server-level firewall settings. A recently announced public preview of Azure SQL Database and Data Warehouse VNET service endpoints and rules promises to address this limitation.

Dynamic Data Masking on Azure SQL Database

Azure SQL Database’s Dynamic Data Masking (DDM) feature limits the exposure of sensitive information to non-privileged users. DDM can mask either the full value or partial value in a column. This method can also mask Social Security and Credit Card Numbers without making any changes to the application. Read on to learn more.

Azure SQL Database Long-Term Backup Retention

Azure SQL Database provides a number of benefits that leverage resiliency and redundancy built into the underlying cloud infrastructure. In addition to Point-in-Time Restore as well as Geo-Restore and Active Geo-Replication, you have the option of implementing long-term backup retention of Azure SQL Database.

Implementing Azure SQL Data Sync in the Azure Portal

Azure SQL Data Sync, which has been lingering in the Preview mode since its introduction seven years ago, no longer requires the use of the Azure classic portal; you can finally access it by using the current Azure portal. Marcin Policht steps you through the process of implementing Azure SQL Data Sync using this interface.

Introduction to Azure SQL Datab Sync

The majority of Azure SQL Database related features reach their General Availability (GA) stage relatively quickly. There are however, some exceptions. The most prominent example in this category is likely Azure SQL Data Sync, which has remained in Preview since its introduction 7 years ago. Fortunately, there are signs that this service might be finally reaching production-ready state. In this article, Martin Pollicht introduces its main characteristics.

Azure Automation Methods

Tim Radney of SQLskills walks through multiple automation methods you can use to manage and maintain your Azure SQL Databases.