What is Azure SQL Edge?
Azure SQL Edge is an optimized relational database engine for IoT and edge computing scenarios. Based on the SQL Server engine, it provides full T-SQL compatibility in a compact container format that runs on ARM64 and x64 devices. SQL Edge combines relational database capabilities with integrated time-series streaming and machine learning inference directly at the edge.
The service enables data processing and analysis where data originates: without latency from cloud roundtrips and independent of network availability.
Key Features
- Full T-SQL Compatibility: Same SQL syntax as SQL Server and Azure SQL Database for easy development
- Time-Series Streaming: Native support for streaming data with data retention policies and gap filling
- ONNX Machine Learning: Execution of ML models in ONNX format directly on the edge device
- Compact Footprint: Containerized for ARM64 and x64 with minimal resource consumption
- Offline-capable: Full operation without cloud connectivity with optional synchronization
Typical Use Cases
Industrial IoT: Capturing and analyzing sensor data in production facilities with real-time anomaly detection and local data aggregation.
Retail and Logistics: Local transaction processing in stores or warehouses with asynchronous replication to headquarters.
Autonomous Systems: Data processing in vehicles, drones, or mobile devices without permanent network connection.
Benefits
- Low Latency: Data processing directly at the source without cloud roundtrips
- Network-independent: Full functionality even with interrupted connectivity
- SQL Server Ecosystem: Leverage existing T-SQL skills and tools like SSMS
- Resource-efficient: Optimized for limited CPU, RAM, and storage on edge hardware
Frequently Asked Questions about Azure SQL Edge
How does SQL Edge differ from SQL Server Express?
SQL Edge is specifically optimized for IoT and edge with integrated time-series streaming and ONNX ML inference. It runs containerized on Linux (ARM64/x64) and offers native Azure IoT Edge integration. SQL Server Express is designed for classic server scenarios.
What are the hardware requirements for SQL Edge?
Minimum 500 MB RAM and 1 CPU core. 1 GB RAM is recommended for production workloads. SQL Edge runs on ARM64 and x64 processors under Linux. The container requires Docker or Azure IoT Edge Runtime.
How does synchronization with Azure SQL Database work?
SQL Edge supports unidirectional and bidirectional replication with Azure SQL Database. You can use Azure SQL Data Sync or implement custom synchronization logic via Change Tracking. Conflict resolution is configurable.
Which ML models are supported?
SQL Edge supports ONNX models (Open Neural Network Exchange). You can convert models from PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn, or Azure Machine Learning to ONNX and call them directly in T-SQL queries.
What does Azure SQL Edge cost?
Licensing is per device per month in connected mode with Azure or as a one-time disconnected license for offline scenarios. Volume discounts are available for larger IoT deployments.
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you with Azure SQL Edge: from IoT data platform architecture to Azure IoT Hub integration to implementing edge ML solutions.
