Microsoft Azure Innovation Delivers Unmatched Price-Performance for SQL Server

As part of our ongoing dedication to making Microsoft Azure the top platform for SQL Server and Windows Server, we are thrilled to announce that SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines has achieved groundbreaking performance benchmarks. According to a GigaOm report, Azure now offers SQL Server performance up to 57% faster while being up to 54% more cost-effective than AWS EC2. These gains are possible through the Azure Hybrid Benefit and a three-year commitment. As Pam Lahoud notes, this continuous improvement results from substantial investments in Azure infrastructure, including the Ebdsv5 virtual machine series and the introduction of faster Premium SSD v2 storage, which has seen performance improve by up to 70% over the past year.
In addition to hardware advancements, Azure provides unparalleled savings and manageability features for Windows Server and SQL Server. Migrating to Azure using Azure Hybrid Benefit can save up to 85% compared to standard pay-as-you-go rates. Azure helps optimize costs over time through tools like Azure Advisor, ensuring ongoing efficiency.
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For those looking to lock in even greater savings, Azure offers Reserved Virtual Machine Instances for up to three years, or you can choose the flexible Azure Savings Plan for compute. This plan provides discounts regardless of location, instance series, or operating system.
Beyond savings, Azure offers exceptional manageability for SQL Server. Registering your SQL Server on Azure VMs with the SQL IaaS Agent Extension unlocks benefits like lower total cost of ownership, robust high availability, and free security features. Plus, automated SQL Server updates and encryption through Azure Key Vault simplify the process of managing compliance and security.
Azure's virtual machine and storage infrastructure are specifically designed for critical SQL Server workloads, such as the memory-optimized Ev5 VMs and I/O-intensive Ebdsv5 series. Azure's latest Premium SSD v2 provides sub-millisecond latencies for demanding applications, delivering the best price-performance in the market.
For those modernizing SQL Server, Azure SQL Managed Instance offers a managed, up-to-date SQL solution with up to five times faster performance at a fraction of the cost of AWS RDS. Its hybrid capabilities allow near real-time data replication to the cloud, helping you take full advantage of Azure’s scale and features.
To further support your journey, Azure offers a range of free tools like Azure Migrate and Azure Database Migration Service, which simplify the process from discovery to migration. Programs like the Azure Migration and Modernization Program and Microsoft SQL + Apps Migration Factory provide expert guidance to make your migration as seamless as possible.
Call to Action Start transforming your SQL Server experience today with Microsoft Azure. Visit https://ofoqconsulting.com/ or email us at [email protected] to learn how Azure can power your business with leading price-performance and flexibility.