Choosing an SQL server in Azure comes with mainly two choices:

1) Azure SQL database (PaaS)

2) SQL server on Azure Vms (IaaS).

Azure mainly has two options when hosting SQL server reports on the cloud:

     * Azure SQL- SQL databases native to the cloud have either a PaaS database which is known as a platform as a service or a DbaaS which is known as database as a service. These are optimized and programmed for SaaS which is software as a service app development. These programs offer the maximum compatibility with the majority of the features found in the SQL servers.

     * Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - This is SQL server on Azure virtual machines. IaaS is the SQL server that is installed and hosted in the cloud on VMs or Windows Server Virtual Machines that are running on Azure.

    Each option fits into the Microsoft data platform in a unique way and helps you make a perfect match that meets all your unique business requirements. Whether you require minimal amount of administration, or low maintenance cost, these options and their combinations can help you run your business according to your priorities.

Microsoft Data Platform- In any discussion of Azure vs. SQL server databases you should know that you can use it all. SQL server technology is boosted by the Microsoft data platform and consequently makes it available to on premise machines, public cloud premises, private cloud environments, third party hosted private cloud environments etc. This connectivity to a variety of cloud hosted deployments as well as on premise locations allows you to meet diverse and complicated business needs unique to your firm. The best thing about this system is that you can use the same set of development tools, server products and expertise across all these various environments.

Different Uses

    The two SQL options have been optimized and designed for different purposes. The SQL database is optimized to provide management and provisioning for many databases but all this at a reduced cost. The ongoing administration costs are considerably reduced because you do not have to manage any database software, virtual machine or operating system. Yet you get backups, upgrades and high availability. Generally, Azure SQL databases can significantly increase the number of databases run by a single IT firm.

The SQL server on Azure VMs has been designed and programmed for extensions on existent on-premises SQL Server applications to the cloud or deploying an existing application to Azure. The former is done in a hybrid scenario while the latter is performed in a migration or test scenario. You have the full administrative rights over a dedicated SQL server with the SQL server on Azure VMs. This is the choice of many organizations that have the necessary IT resources available for the proper maintenance of the virtual machines.

    So choosing the options of SQL server and SQL on Azure Cloud wisely can help you boost your business by meeting the various and unique requirements of your firm.