Comparing SQL Server on AWS and Azure

Greetings, Dev! If you’re looking to host your SQL Server on the cloud, you might be considering Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure. Both platforms offer a range of services that can help you with your needs, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll compare SQL Server on AWS and Azure to help you make an informed decision.

Database Engine Versions

Both AWS and Azure offer SQL Server on their platforms. However, there are some differences in the versions of the database engine that are supported.

Feature	AWS	Azure
SQL Server 2019	Yes	Yes
SQL Server 2017	Yes	Yes
SQL Server 2016	Yes	Yes
SQL Server 2014	Yes	No

As you can see, both platforms support SQL Server 2019, 2017, and 2016. However, if you need to use SQL Server 2014, you’ll need to go with AWS.

FAQ:

Q: Why doesn’t Azure support SQL Server 2014?

A: Microsoft has ended support for SQL Server 2014, so it’s no longer included in Azure. If you need to use SQL Server 2014, you’ll need to go with AWS.

Q: Do I need to pay extra to use SQL Server on AWS or Azure?

A: Yes, both platforms charge for their SQL Server offerings, but the pricing varies depending on the amount of resources you need.

Performance

When it comes to performance, both AWS and Azure offer high-performance options for SQL Server hosting. However, there are some differences in the types of instances and storage options available.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

AWS offers a range of instance types that are optimized for different workloads. Some of the most common instance types for SQL Server are:

• Amazon EC2 instances optimized for compute (C5)
• Amazon EC2 instances optimized for memory (R5)
• Amazon EC2 instances optimized for storage (I3)

AWS also offers different types of storage, including:

• Elastic Block Store (EBS)
• Instance Store
• Amazon S3

When it comes to performance, AWS is known for its scalability and flexibility. With so many options for instances and storage, you can easily find the right combination to meet your needs.

Microsoft Azure

Azure also offers a range of instance types that are optimized for different workloads. Some of the most common instance types for SQL Server are:

• General-purpose instances
• Memory-optimized instances
• Compute-optimized instances

Azure also offers different types of storage, including:

• Azure Blob Storage
• Azure Files
• Azure Disk Storage

When it comes to performance, Azure is known for its reliability and ease of use. You can easily scale up or down as needed, and Azure handles the underlying infrastructure for you.

FAQ:

Q: Which platform is faster, AWS or Azure?

A: Both platforms offer high-performance options for SQL Server hosting, so it really depends on the specific instance and storage options you choose.

Q: How do I know which instance and storage options to choose?

A: It’s best to consult with a cloud expert or use a cloud cost calculator to determine which combination of resources is right for your workload.

Cost

Cost is an important factor to consider when hosting your SQL Server on the cloud. Both AWS and Azure offer flexible pricing options that can help you save money.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

With AWS, you pay only for the resources you use. This means you can easily scale up or down as needed, and you won’t be charged for unused resources. AWS also offers a range of pricing models, including hourly, monthly, and reserved instances, that can help you save money.

Microsoft Azure

Azure also offers flexible pricing options that allow you to pay only for what you use. You can choose from hourly or monthly rates, and Azure offers discounts for long-term commitments.

FAQ:

Q: Which platform is cheaper, AWS or Azure?

A: It really depends on the specific instance and storage options you choose, as well as the amount of resources you need. It’s best to consult with a cloud expert or use a cloud cost calculator to determine which platform is more cost-effective for your workload.

Q: Do I need to pay for support?

A: Both AWS and Azure offer different levels of support, and the cost varies depending on the level of support you choose. However, both platforms offer free basic support.

Security

When hosting your SQL Server on the cloud, security is a top priority. Both AWS and Azure offer a range of security features to help protect your data.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

With AWS, you have full control over your security settings. You can configure security groups, access control policies, and network settings to restrict access to your data. AWS also offers a range of security services, including:

• Amazon Inspector
• Amazon Certificate Manager
• AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Microsoft Azure

Azure also offers a range of security features to help protect your data. You can configure security groups, access control policies, and network settings to restrict access to your data. Azure also offers a range of security services, including:

• Azure Security Center
• Azure Active Directory
• Azure Key Vault

FAQ:

Q: Can I use my own encryption keys?

A: Yes, both AWS and Azure offer options for using your own encryption keys to protect your data.

Q: How do I know if my data is secure on the cloud?

A: Both AWS and Azure are compliant with a range of security standards, including HIPAA, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001. You can also check for third-party audits to ensure that your data is protected.

Integration

When hosting your SQL Server on the cloud, it’s important to consider how it will integrate with other services and applications you use.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

With AWS, you have access to a wide range of services that can help you with your integration needs. Some of the most common integration options include:

• AWS Lambda
• AWS Step Functions
• AWS Glue

Microsoft Azure

Azure also offers a range of integration options to help you connect your SQL Server with other services and applications. Some of the most common integration options include:

• Azure Functions
• Azure Logic Apps
• Azure Data Factory

FAQ:

Q: Can I use SQL Server with other cloud services?

A: Yes, both AWS and Azure offer a range of services that can be used with SQL Server to help you meet your integration needs.

Q: How do I know which integration options are best for my workload?

A: It’s best to consult with a cloud expert or use a cloud cost calculator to determine which combination of resources is right for your workload.

Conclusion

Both AWS and Azure offer a range of services that can help you with your SQL Server hosting needs. However, there are some differences in the versions of the database engine that are supported, performance options, pricing models, security features, and integration options.

It’s important to consider your specific needs and workloads when choosing a platform. Consulting with a cloud expert or using a cloud cost calculator can help you make an informed decision.