Azure Database for PostgreSQL - Managed PostgreSQL

What is Azure Database for PostgreSQL?

Azure Database for PostgreSQL is a fully managed relational database service based on the open-source PostgreSQL engine. The service handles patching, backups, high availability, and scaling, allowing developers to focus on the application.

Flexible Server is the current and only deployment option; the earlier Single Server was fully retired in March 2025. Flexible Server offers full PostgreSQL compatibility, high availability within a single availability zone or across multiple zones, and independent scaling of compute and storage. It currently supports PostgreSQL major versions 11 through 18, with versions 11 through 13 in extended support status.

Azure Database for PostgreSQL integrates with Azure services like Private Link for secure network connectivity, Microsoft Entra ID for authentication, and Azure Monitor for metrics and logs.

Core Features

• Independent scaling of compute (Burstable, General Purpose, Memory Optimized) and storage
• Zone-redundant or same-zone high availability with a synchronously replicating standby server (availability varies by Azure region)
• Automated backups on zone-redundant storage with configurable retention (default seven days, optionally up to 35 days), encrypted with AES-256
• Built-in PgBouncer as a connection pooler
• Ability to stop and start the server on demand to reduce costs for development and test environments
• Support for numerous PostgreSQL extensions such as PostGIS, pgvector, pg_cron, and pg_partman

Typical Use Cases

Web applications: PostgreSQL as backend for Django, Rails, Node.js, or .NET applications, using the built-in PgBouncer for connection pooling under high concurrency.

Geospatial applications: PostGIS extension for location-based services, routing, and geodata analysis.

JSON workloads: PostgreSQL’s JSONB data type for semi-structured data, combined with relational queries in the same database.

Microservices: Separate database instances per service, using the Burstable tier for development and test and General Purpose or Memory Optimized for production.

Benefits

• No need to operate your own patching, backup, or failover infrastructure
• Full compatibility with the open-source PostgreSQL community version
• Flexible cost control through independent scaling of compute and storage plus stop/start functionality
• Broad extension support for geodata, vector search, and automation

Integration with innFactory

As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you in migrating to and optimizing Azure Database for PostgreSQL. We help with architecture, performance tuning, and high availability configuration.

Contact us for a non-binding consultation on Azure Database for PostgreSQL.

Frequently Asked Questions about Azure Database for PostgreSQL

Which PostgreSQL versions are supported?

Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server currently supports major versions 11 through 18, with versions 11 through 13 in extended support status. Major version upgrades can be performed in-place. Extensions like PostGIS, pg_partman, pg_cron, and many others are available.

What happened to Azure Database for PostgreSQL Single Server?

Single Server was fully retired on March 28, 2025. Flexible Server has since been the only supported deployment option; remaining Single Server instances had to be migrated.

How does high availability work?

When zone-redundant high availability is configured, a synchronously replicating standby server is provisioned in another availability zone and takes over processing on failover. Same-zone HA is also available. The availability of zone-redundant HA varies by Azure region.

Can I use PostgreSQL extensions?

Yes, Flexible Server supports many extensions: PostGIS for geodata, pg_partman for partitioning, pgvector for vector search, pg_cron for scheduling, pg_stat_statements for query analysis, and many more. Extensions are enabled via CREATE EXTENSION.

What does Azure Database for PostgreSQL cost?

Billing is vCore-based, depending on the chosen compute tier (Burstable, General Purpose, Memory Optimized), number of vCores, and storage consumption, plus optional charges for high availability. Use the Azure pricing calculator for a current cost estimate.

How do I migrate from on-premises?

Azure Database Migration Service enables online migration with minimal downtime. For simple migrations, pg_dump/pg_restore can be used. Azure provides migration guides for various source systems.