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PeerSpot user
Global Data Architecture and Data Science Director at FH
Real User
ModeratorTop 5
Sep 5, 2022
Secure, stable, and easy to use with good scalability and high availability
Pros and Cons
  • "It is good for scalability and high availability. It is also secure because of Microsoft's cloud investment. It is easy to use because it is on the cloud. Creation or making it available through web services is super easy. Azure SQL can be quickly published as web services for APIs to connect with other applications. Because it is in Microsoft Cloud, you can easily integrate with Microsoft stack."
  • "If anybody is using Azure Cloud, they should definitely use Azure SQL."
  • "Its price could be better. It is expensive. I am not sure if Microsoft Master Data Services is included in this. If not, Master Data Services can be integrated with Azure SQL. I have only used Master Data Services on-premises."
  • "Its price could be better. It is expensive."

What is our primary use case?

We're using it for scalability. Everything is on Azure SQL for us. It is an enterprise application data warehouse, so all our applications are on this. It is useful for entire data warehousing. It is also good for microservices applications. We have its latest version.

What is most valuable?

It is good for scalability and high availability. It is also secure because of Microsoft's cloud investment.

It is easy to use because it is on the cloud. Creation or making it available through web services is super easy. Azure SQL can be quickly published as web services for APIs to connect with other applications. Because it is in Microsoft Cloud, you can easily integrate with Microsoft stack.

What needs improvement?

Its price could be better. It is expensive.

I am not sure if Microsoft Master Data Services is included in this. If not, Master Data Services can be integrated with Azure SQL. I have only used Master Data Services on-premises.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for four years.

Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Azure SQL Database
April 2026
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Azure SQL Database. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: April 2026.
893,221 professionals have used our research since 2012.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is stable. Microsoft has been in the market for quite some time.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is quite scalable. It is a good choice for any kind of application database, data warehousing, or data lake. 

In terms of the number of users, it is being used by all users in our enterprise. For development, we have four to five developers, and we also have partners to help us.

How are customer service and support?

Technical support is managed by Microsoft partners, which is good.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We have used Microsoft SQL Server on-premises. We are still using it, and slowly, we'll move to Azure SQL.

How was the initial setup?

You don't have to install it because it is on the cloud.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It is expensive. Snowflake and PostgreSQL are cheaper than this. Google is also cheaper than Azure. 

Its licensing is on a pay-as-you-go basis. It is based on usage and storage.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution. If anybody is using Azure Cloud, they should definitely use Azure SQL. Our strategy is to have all our applications on Azure, and we will keep using this solution. We will also be using it for our analytical data mart.

I would rate SQL Azure a nine out of ten. It is a good product, and it has all the required features.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Samuel Lambrecht - PeerSpot reviewer
Principal Industry Consultant at Intelligent Operations Solutions
Consultant
Aug 23, 2022
The response time was better than expected
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable aspect of SQL Azure is the SQL language itself. It's open and everybody can use it at my company. Also, we thought in the beginning that the response time would be inadequate, but it's actually decent. It's much better than expected. Then again, I'm not a programmer, but that's what I hear from our development team."
  • "The most valuable aspect of SQL Azure is the SQL language itself, it's open and everybody can use it at my company, and we thought in the beginning that the response time would be inadequate, but it's actually decent and much better than expected."
  • "They should also simplify the security in Azure. We are using the cloud as a platform, so there is no physical infrastructure. We're using Azure components like databases and servers to create an application. Integrating those components in terms of permissions and security is challenging for us. Maybe there is a lack of knowledge on our side, but it's not straightforward."
  • "They should also simplify the security in Azure. Integrating those components in terms of permissions and security is challenging for us."

What is our primary use case?

We use SQL Azure for what we call an inspection round. Inspection rounds are mainly used by an inspector in the field to check the compliance of the equipment, like if a given machine doesn't have enough instrumentation. 

In any kind of plant, there is an inventory of assets. Most companies have an inspector who goes to the field to check the condition and record some indicators. The results of the inspection are recorded in our software. All the data from the inspection round is stored in our database in Azure. That is what we use the Azure database for.

We created a custom PaaS. It's not a pre-built device in the cloud. Azure components like SQL Azure and a web server are combined to create this solution. Our SQL performs better in that space than a readymade device.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable aspect of SQL Azure is the SQL language itself. It's open and everybody can use it at my company. Also, we thought in the beginning that the response time would be inadequate, but it's actually decent. It's much better than expected. Then again, I'm not a programmer, but that's what I hear from our development team. 

What needs improvement?

There are some characteristics called "joins," like "inner join," "full join," "left join," "right join," etc. It's a little confusing for some coders. I think that could be simplified. 

I'm in the analytic space, so I would introduce a higher level of coding using artificial intelligence. SQL is quite close to English. They could add a voice interface where you speak into it, and the machine writes the code for you. My weakness in coding requires something automated, so I can be more proactive. 

They should also simplify the security in Azure. We are using the cloud as a platform, so there is no physical infrastructure. We're using Azure components like databases and servers to create an application. Integrating those components in terms of permissions and security is challenging for us. Maybe there is a lack of knowledge on our side, but it's not straightforward. 

The data modeling is not good for me. There are better tools than SQL Azure when you need to create the abstract part of the database design. It's weak. It's not user-friendly, and the notation is specific to Microsoft. I believe we use a third-party tool for data modeling because it's easier to use. Communicating with that tool is easier than SQL Azure. The model is nicer.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using SQL Azure for about five or six years. We started using the solution for one of our clients, a mining company, more than five years ago. They were the first customers to use our solution.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We don't have any issues with stability. The primary issues in the cloud are privileges, security, and integration between applications. That is a total mess for us. When we need to get the application servers access to the Azure database. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

SQL Azure is scalable.

How are customer service and support?

I only contacted Azure support once, and it was decent. We asked some questions, and they replied. I cannot it say was great or awful. They met our expectations. 

How was the initial setup?

Setting up SQL Azure is easy. Even I can do it. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We pay around $1,200 per year for one customer based on what they currently use. It's mainly processing and storage. SQL Azure is a bit more expensive than other solutions. There are free databases, but they don't have the scalability of the Azure cloud. It might not be affordable for some companies, but it's highly scalable.

What other advice do I have?

I rate SQL Azure eight out of 10. I would recommend it to others depending on their needs. It might be beyond the budget of some companies.

Generally, what I like about Azure as a cloud is the analytics you can apply on top of that data. Azure provides a number of high-performing solutions for data science and analytics. The main issue is that you need to build the architecture to create a product that provides value for your customers.

It's about imagination and creativity, and most of the tools are there. In my case, ease of use matters because I lack the knowledge to explore more, but our development team could do that easily. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Azure SQL Database
April 2026
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Azure SQL Database. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: April 2026.
893,221 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Daniel_Marin - PeerSpot reviewer
Software Developer at Generate Impact
Real User
Aug 1, 2022
Beneficial centralized authentication, scalable, and reliable
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature of SQL Azure is centralized authentication because I'm using the domain, user name, and password, for Microsoft 365 account with multifactor authentication and the security has been working well."
  • "SQL Azure is a really good tool, and I recommend using this solution instead of a normal SQL server, as it is an improvement."
  • "I was using a user list for connecting a program in OTF for getting information. The connection in SQL Azure can improve by being easier because at the moment I have to use private certificates for user authentication. I had to do additional configuration to have the connections."
  • "I was using a user list for connecting a program in OTF for getting information. The connection in SQL Azure can improve by being easier because at the moment I have to use private certificates for user authentication."

What is our primary use case?

SQL Azure is used for the replication of a CRM database. if get information from this database and try to replicate it on other servers and other systems. I'm getting the transactional data information.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of SQL Azure is centralized authentication because I'm using the domain, user name, and password, for Microsoft 365 account with multifactor authentication and the security has been working well.

What needs improvement?

I was using a user list for connecting a program in OTF for getting information. The connection in SQL Azure can improve by being easier because at the moment I have to use private certificates for user authentication. I had to do additional configuration to have the connections.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using SQL Azure for approximately six months.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

SQL Azure is stable, I have not had any issues.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability of SQL Azure is easy to do.

We have a lot of people in my organization using this solution. We have a large company.

How are customer service and support?

I have not used support.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of SQL Azure is difficult and complex. I have to use a lot of certificates, private keys, and public keys to establish a connection.

What other advice do I have?

SQL Azure is a really good tool. I recommend using this solution instead of a normal SQL server, its an improvement,

I rate SQL Azure a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Naresh Reddy - PeerSpot reviewer
Enterprise Solutions Architect at OORWIN LABS INC
Real User
Top 20
Mar 28, 2022
A simple, powerful solution with analytics, in-built indexing, and backup features
Pros and Cons
  • "Its performance is good. It has a lot of features. It has the backup feature, which is not there in Amazon RDS. In Azure SQL, there is an option to replicate and restore a database point to point, whereas we can't do that with Amazon RDS."
  • "Its performance is good, it has a lot of features, it has the backup feature which is not there in Amazon RDS, in Azure SQL there is an option to replicate and restore a database point to point, whereas we can't do that with Amazon RDS."
  • "In terms of support, they don't give much support."
  • "In terms of support, they don't give much support."

What is our primary use case?

We are deploying a few server-based applications, and we are using the Azure SQL database.

How has it helped my organization?

It provides good analytics. We can see which database is getting more requests, etc. We are able to see everything in Azure SQL. Its analytics are in a readable format, so a layman can understand them.

What is most valuable?

Its performance is good. It has a lot of features. It has the backup feature, which is not there in Amazon RDS. In Azure SQL, there is an option to replicate and restore a database point to point, whereas we can't do that with Amazon RDS.

It is also simpler and more powerful than Amazon RDS. It also has analytics, and it automatically suggests a few things. It has an in-built indexing function.

What needs improvement?

In terms of support, they don't give much support.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for four to five years.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

There are more than 12,000 people using this service. Its usage is going to increase day by day.

How are customer service and support?

They don't give much support, but their tech support subscription cost is much lesser than AWS.

How was the initial setup?

Its installation is very easy. We can easily move from one pool to another pool in Azure. It takes just one to two minutes.

What about the implementation team?

We take care of it ourselves.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It only has a subscription-based license.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution to others. I would rate it a ten out of ten.

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Ahmed-Ramy - PeerSpot reviewer
CEO at TMentors
Real User
Mar 2, 2022
Seamless management and the remote access in SQL Azure with good reliability
Pros and Cons
  • "It's the type of product that doesn't need much technical support assistance as it works seamlessly."
  • "The management and the remote access in SQL Azure are seamless."
  • "It's a little bit limited in terms of functionality."
  • "Some data types are not available on SQL Azure while it's available on SQL Server."

What is our primary use case?

We use it also for database management, as a database engine.

We use it for different projects - mainly when we have lots of data and the customer can't afford to pay the license for SQL Server, which is not cheap. That's the main reason we use MySQL or Postgres or other databases. 

What is most valuable?

The management and the remote access in SQL Azure are seamless.

The solution is extremely scalable.

We've found the stability to be quite good.

It's the type of product that doesn't need much technical support assistance as it works seamlessly.

What needs improvement?

Some data types are not available on SQL Azure while it's available on SQL Server. It's a little bit limited in terms of functionality. The difference is not huge. You can go back and forth between them. We used to do this all the time. However, it is something to note.

Maybe they need to add the data types that exist in SQL Server, not in SQL Azure. That would make it better.

The pricing can be high in certain countries as Microsoft doesn't adjust for regional pricing. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable and reliable. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. The performance is good.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The product is on the cloud. It's very scalable for that reason. If a company needs to expand it, it can do so.

How are customer service and support?

Most of the time no one needs support on SQL products or services. That said, the support in Azure is amazing. We never encountered an issue that they didn't solve. This speaks to the quality of Azure.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We also use SQL Server. The main difference is SQL Server is a full-featured database engine, whereas MySQL is based on what we call a file-based database, which is similar to flat files as a database engine.

The recommendation of which to use is based on the use case. It depends on what use case the customer will need. If they don't have the capacity to manage their own server, I would recommend Azure, as it's managed. You don't have to worry about the management and administration.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing is prevalent for everything Microsoft. The thing is, they don't allow different pricing for different regions. Some countries are price sensitive.

What other advice do I have?

I'm an end-user.

I'd rate the solution at a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. partner
PeerSpot user
PedroNavarro - PeerSpot reviewer
BI Development & Validation Manager at JT International SA
Real User
Feb 6, 2022
Stable product with fast setup
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is quire more stable than other tools."
  • "The solution is quite more stable than other tools."
  • "I would like to the solutions scalability to be improved."
  • "I would like to the solutions scalability to be improved."

What is our primary use case?

We use this solution to store data MODS that are going to be consumed by Power BI.

What is most valuable?

The solution is quire more stable than other tools.

What needs improvement?

I would like to the solutions scalability to be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have used this solution for the past three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This is a stable solution in general.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is moderately scalable in my opinion. On-premise, you can definitely scale it up better, but it is a bit restricted on the cloud.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We used Oracle Databases and SQL Server databases on-premise.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was easy for about five hundred users and it required just a couple of managers.

What about the implementation team?

Our consultants helped with the implementation and the process took maybe ten minutes.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution for those who are looking to integrate it. I would rate this an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
reviewer964137 - PeerSpot reviewer
software engineer at a university with 11-50 employees
Real User
Nov 3, 2021
Great programming facility with good problem solving capabilities; very efficient
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is efficient and easy to use."
  • "SQL Azure is efficient and very easy to use, the programming facility is very good and the solution is great at solving problems."
  • "Lacks some tools on the SQL Server for data virtualization."
  • "SQL Azure could offer a lot more services and applications."

What is our primary use case?

Our core business is to make mathematical models for production and solutions. We don't develop or use software. The data comes with the Excel format stored in SQL and we write complex queries about the data and run it in our models. Our data is not sensitive and it's a matter of having a server for storage. I'm a software engineer.

What is most valuable?

SQL Azure is efficient and very easy to use. The programming facility is very good and the solution is great at solving problems. 

What needs improvement?

SQL Azure could offer a lot more services and applications. I'd also like to see some tools that we could use on the SQL Server for data virtualization. That would be an improvement. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using this solution for 10 years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We don't run critical data and haven't had any issues with the stability. 

How are customer service and support?

We have a lot of experience and good programmers and IT administrators in the company, so we haven't needed customer support. 

How was the initial setup?

Our implementation was straightforward and carried out internally. We have 10 users of this solution, the majority are in production and engineering, with a couple in software engineering. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Our license is pay-as-you-go and we pay around €200 per month. You need to keep an eye on this because with scaling the cost can increase quite quickly. 

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

This solution is more expensive than some others, but not as expensive as Amazon, Google and Oracle, which all have a lot of extra costs involved. 

What other advice do I have?

I recommend this solution and rate it 10 out of 10. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
PeerSpot user
Business Analyst at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Oct 24, 2021
Stable and scalable but could better integrate with Python
Pros and Cons
  • "Emergency mode is quite useful."
  • "I don't think Oracle has any capabilities that SQL Azure lacks, and it's not used in as many companies and institutions."
  • "I haven't explored SQL Azure's features much, but I would like to see some better integration with Python."
  • "I haven't explored SQL Azure's features much, but I would like to see some better integration with Python."

What is our primary use case?

I'm an end-user. I'm a business analyst, so I'm using SQL Azure to do analysis.

What is most valuable?

Emergency mode is quite useful.

What needs improvement?

I haven't explored SQL Azure's features much, but I would like to see some better integration with Python. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using SQL Azure for approximately two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

SQL Azure is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I think SQL Azure is scalable. Almost 200 people are using it in the commercial department.

How are customer service and support?

I can't say much about Microsoft support because the IT people are the ones who deal with the Microsoft support team. Whenever we have an issue, we put our IT team on it and leave everything to them. They try to handle it if they can or they might bring in some consultants from the Microsoft team. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I previously used Oracle, but I didn't spend much time with it, so I really can't say. I don't think Oracle has any capabilities that SQL Azure lacks, and it's not used in as many companies and institutions.

How was the initial setup?

Setting up SQL Azure isn't complex.

What other advice do I have?

I rate SQL Azure seven out of 10. 

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Naresh Reddy - PeerSpot reviewer
Naresh ReddyEnterprise Solutions Architect at a computer software company with 51-200 employees
Top 20Real User

Python is well supported by AWS EC2, enabling smooth deployment and use of Python applications on EC2 instances. A large variety of EC2 instance types that support Python are available, and installing Python modules and frameworks is simple.

Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Azure SQL Database Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: April 2026
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Azure SQL Database Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.