When recommending a solution for storing relational data in Azure, several key services should be considered based on workload requirements. Azure SQL Database is the primary Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offering for relational data, providing a fully managed database engine with built-in high avai…When recommending a solution for storing relational data in Azure, several key services should be considered based on workload requirements. Azure SQL Database is the primary Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offering for relational data, providing a fully managed database engine with built-in high availability, automated backups, and intelligent performance tuning. It supports multiple deployment options including single databases, elastic pools for managing multiple databases with shared resources, and hyperscale tier for databases up to 100 TB. For organizations requiring SQL Server compatibility with minimal code changes during migration, Azure SQL Managed Instance offers near-complete SQL Server feature parity while maintaining PaaS benefits. This is ideal for lift-and-shift scenarios where legacy applications depend on SQL Server-specific features like SQL Agent, cross-database queries, or CLR integration. Azure SQL Database serverless tier is cost-effective for intermittent, unpredictable workloads as it automatically scales compute and bills per-second usage. For multi-region deployments requiring active geo-replication, Azure SQL Database supports readable secondary replicas across regions. When evaluating solutions, consider these factors: performance requirements (DTU vs vCore purchasing models), scalability needs, compliance requirements, disaster recovery objectives (RPO/RTO), and budget constraints. Elastic pools are recommended when managing multiple databases with varying usage patterns to optimize costs. For hybrid scenarios, Azure Arc-enabled SQL Server extends Azure management capabilities to on-premises SQL instances. Security features include transparent data encryption, Always Encrypted for sensitive columns, Advanced Threat Protection, and Azure Active Directory authentication. For analytical workloads combined with transactional data, consider Azure Synapse Link for near real-time analytics. The architect should assess data volume, concurrent user requirements, geographic distribution needs, and integration requirements with other Azure services before making final recommendations. Cost optimization strategies include reserved capacity purchases for predictable workloads and right-sizing based on actual performance metrics.
Recommend a Solution for Storing Relational Data
Why This Topic Is Important
Understanding how to recommend relational data storage solutions is critical for the AZ-305 exam because data storage decisions impact application performance, scalability, cost, and compliance. As an Azure Solutions Architect, you must select the appropriate relational database service based on specific business requirements, workload characteristics, and technical constraints.
What Is Relational Data Storage in Azure?
Relational data storage refers to databases that organize data into tables with rows and columns, using structured query language (SQL) for data manipulation. Azure offers several relational database services:
Azure SQL Database - A fully managed platform-as-a-service (PaaS) database engine that handles most database management functions such as upgrading, patching, backups, and monitoring.
Azure SQL Managed Instance - Provides near 100% compatibility with the latest SQL Server Enterprise Edition, ideal for lift-and-shift migrations.
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines - Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) option providing full control over the SQL Server instance and underlying operating system.
Azure Database for MySQL - Fully managed MySQL database service.
Azure Database for PostgreSQL - Fully managed PostgreSQL database service with flexible server and single server deployment options.
Azure Database for MariaDB - Fully managed MariaDB database service.
How It Works
Each Azure relational database service operates differently:
Azure SQL Database offers deployment options including single database, elastic pools (for multiple databases sharing resources), and serverless compute tier (auto-scales based on workload). It supports features like automatic tuning, threat detection, and geo-replication.
Azure SQL Managed Instance runs inside a virtual network, supports SQL Server Agent, cross-database queries, and Service Broker. It is deployed within an isolated environment with dedicated compute and storage.
SQL Server on Azure VMs gives you complete administrative access to the operating system and database engine, supporting features like failover cluster instances and Always On availability groups.
Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server provides zone-redundant high availability, configurable maintenance windows, and burstable compute tiers for cost optimization.
How to Answer Exam Questions
When answering questions about relational data storage recommendations, follow this decision framework:
1. Identify the database engine requirement - Determine if the scenario requires SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MariaDB compatibility.
2. Assess migration complexity - For lift-and-shift scenarios with SQL Server features like SQL Agent jobs, CLR, or linked servers, consider SQL Managed Instance.
3. Evaluate control requirements - If full OS-level access or specific SQL Server versions are needed, SQL Server on VMs is appropriate.
4. Consider scalability needs - For variable workloads, serverless or elastic pools provide cost-effective scaling.
5. Review high availability requirements - Each service offers different HA options including zone redundancy and geo-replication.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Relational Data Storage
Tip 1: When a scenario mentions SQL Server features like Database Mail, SQL Agent, or Service Broker, Azure SQL Managed Instance is typically the correct choice over Azure SQL Database.
Tip 2: For scenarios requiring the lowest administrative overhead with a new application, Azure SQL Database single database or serverless is usually preferred.
Tip 3: If the question mentions needing control over the operating system, patching schedules, or specific SQL Server versions, select SQL Server on Azure VMs.
Tip 4: For elastic pools, look for scenarios describing multiple databases with varying usage patterns that can share resources to reduce costs.
Tip 5: When PostgreSQL or MySQL is mentioned, remember that Flexible Server is the recommended deployment option for new workloads.
Tip 6: Pay attention to keywords like minimize cost (consider serverless or burstable tiers), minimize downtime (consider zone-redundant configurations), and minimize migration effort (consider Managed Instance for SQL Server workloads).
Tip 7: Read carefully whether the scenario involves a new application or migrating an existing one, as this significantly impacts the recommended solution.