What is Azure SQL Managed Instance?
Azure SQL Managed Instance is a fully managed database service offering near 100% compatibility with SQL Server Enterprise Edition. Unlike Azure SQL Database, Managed Instance supports features like cross-database queries, CLR, SQL Server Agent, Service Broker, and Linked Servers. The service is specifically designed for migrating existing SQL Server workloads without requiring application changes.
Managed Instance runs in your own Virtual Network, providing complete isolation and native VNet integration for hybrid scenarios.
Key Features
- SQL Server Compatibility: Support for SQL Server features like CLR, Agent Jobs, Service Broker, and cross-database queries
- VNet Integration: Dedicated instance in your own Virtual Network with private IP addresses
- Automatic Backups: Point-in-time recovery with up to 35 days retention and geo-replication
- High Availability: Business Critical tier with 99.99% SLA and In-Memory OLTP
- Azure Hybrid Benefit: Use existing SQL Server licenses for up to 55% cost savings
Typical Use Cases
Lift-and-Shift Migration: Migrating existing SQL Server databases to the cloud without application changes or refactoring.
Consolidation: Combining multiple SQL Server instances on a single Managed Instance with Instance Pools for cost optimization.
Modernization with Hybrid Architecture: Gradual cloud migration with existing on-premises connections via ExpressRoute or VPN.
Benefits
- Minimal Migration Effort: Nearly identical engine to SQL Server for easy lift-and-shift migrations
- No Infrastructure Management: Automatic patches, backups, and high availability
- Enterprise Features: CLR, SQL Agent, Service Broker, and other enterprise features included
- Cost Flexibility: Reserved Capacity for up to 65% savings compared to pay-as-you-go
Frequently Asked Questions about Azure SQL Managed Instance
What is the difference from Azure SQL Database?
SQL Managed Instance offers near-complete SQL Server compatibility including cross-database queries, CLR, SQL Agent, and Service Broker. SQL Database is more abstracted and optimized for cloud-native applications. Managed Instance is the best choice for migrating existing SQL Server workloads.
How do I migrate from SQL Server to Managed Instance?
Use Azure Database Migration Service for online migrations with minimal downtime. Alternatively, you can use native backup/restore via Azure Blob Storage. The Data Migration Assistant analyzes compatibility beforehand and identifies potential issues.
What service tiers are available?
General Purpose offers standard performance with remote storage and 99.95% SLA. Business Critical provides higher IOPS, local SSD storage, In-Memory OLTP, and 99.99% SLA with built-in read replicas.
How does network integration work?
Managed Instance is deployed in a dedicated subnet of your VNet. You can access the instance via Private Endpoints, ExpressRoute, or VPN Gateway. Public endpoints can be optionally enabled.
Can I run multiple databases on one instance?
Yes, a Managed Instance can host up to 100 databases. For cost-effective multi-tenancy, Microsoft offers Instance Pools that share compute resources across multiple instances.
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you with Azure SQL Managed Instance: from migration planning with compatibility analysis to executing the migration to ongoing optimization and cost management.
