DP-900 · 2 Identify considerations for relational data on Azure
Azure SQL family
Exam objective: Describe the Azure SQL family of products, including Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
Azure SQL is a family of three SQL Server based services, SQL Server on Azure VMs, Azure SQL Managed Instance and Azure SQL Database, that trade administrative control for less management work.
Azure SQL is the umbrella name for three services built on the SQL Server engine. They mainly differ in how much of the server you manage yourself.
| Service | Cloud model | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| SQL Server on Azure VMs | IaaS | Lift and shift of an existing install, full control of the OS and engine |
| Azure SQL Managed Instance | PaaS | Migrating a SQL Server estate with near full compatibility, minimal code changes |
| Azure SQL Database | PaaS | New cloud applications, least management overhead |
SQL Server on Azure VMs is a virtual machine you install SQL Server onto yourself, so you keep full control of the operating system and engine, but you also own the patching and maintenance.
Azure SQL Managed Instance runs a dedicated, near fully compatible SQL Server instance for you. Microsoft automates backups, patching and monitoring, while you keep control over security and resource allocation.
Azure SQL Database is the most managed option: a single database, or an elastic pool of databases that share resources, built for applications designed for the cloud rather than migrated unchanged.
On the exam, match "lift and shift, full control" to VMs, "near full compatibility, minimal changes" to Managed Instance, and "new cloud app, least management" to SQL Database.
Key points
- SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines is an IaaS option: a full SQL Server install on a VM you manage yourself, best for lift and shift migrations.
- Azure SQL Managed Instance is a PaaS option with near full SQL Server compatibility, suited to migrating an existing SQL Server estate with minimal code changes.
- Azure SQL Database is a fully managed PaaS option built for new cloud applications, available as a single database or as an elastic pool that shares resources across several databases.
- Moving from VM to Managed Instance to Database, Microsoft takes over more of the management work, while on premises compatibility decreases.
Exam trap
More automation does not mean less capability at every step. Managed Instance already gives near full SQL Server compatibility while automating backups and patching, it is Database that trades away on premises features for the least management overhead.
Check yourself
For each statement about the Azure SQL family, select Yes if it is true. Otherwise, select No.
- SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines is a platform as a service (PaaS) offering.
- Azure SQL Managed Instance automates tasks such as backups and software patching.
- Azure SQL Database can run as a single database or as an elastic pool of databases.
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Checked against Microsoft Learn on October 1, 2026.