Item: Azure SQL Database
Rating: 8
Author: Scott Kennedy

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

The Azure SQL Database solution we use is currently focused on supporting marketing analytics functions. Eventually, the database will support the entire business intelligence ecosystem. We are finding that a lot of new software companies are popping up that are able to deliver data straight into the blob storage container within the Azure ecosystem. This helps our engineer avoid writing custom python code against and API. It's a nice time saver!

Pros and Cons

Azure SQL Database does a really nice job connection to the Power BI business intelligence service without the need for a data gateway for report refreshes.
Azure SQL Database has a very easy upgrade path from a database to a data warehouse.
Azure SQL Database has a simple billing structure.

The Azure platform can be a little confusing sometimes with all the different options. Such is the Microsoft way.
If you forget to put rate limits on your jobs, it's possible that your cost could explode.
Learning the new Azure data tools to replace SSIS takes a while.

Return on Investment

Our database costs have decreased over time by 20%.
Our engineer spends much less time managing API calls with some of the new features available.
Our engineer is planning on using the Power Query embedded feature to streamline some ETL processes.

Alternatives Considered

Microsoft SQL Server

The Azure SQL Database, compared to our on premise SQL server installation, is much easier to use in terms of seeing database diagnostics. There is a whole visualization platform that comes with the tool that will allow your database administrator to see what jobs are tying up resources or other bottlenecks.

Key Insights

Do you think Azure SQL Database delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Azure SQL Database's feature set?

Yes

Did Azure SQL Database live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Azure SQL Database go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Azure SQL Database again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft Teams, Airtable

Likelihood to Recommend

If your company uses the Power BI business intelligence tool, then sticking with a Microsoft database offering is the way to go. The major benefits here are that you don't need a data gateway for report refreshes like you would with a typical on premise SQL server solution. The ASDB solution is not well suited for very low data volumes.

Microsoft Azure SQL Database - Good Value - Great Features!

Overall Satisfaction with Azure SQL Database