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Compare Azure SQL Database and Microsoft SQL Server 
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At a Glance
Market Segments
Enterprise (39.8% of reviews)
Enterprise (45.6% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
No pricing available
Azure SQL Database
Star Rating
(227)4.4 out of 5
Market Segments
Enterprise (39.8% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Azure SQL DatabaseMicrosoft SQL Server
Star Rating
(2,252)4.4 out of 5
Market Segments
Enterprise (45.6% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Microsoft SQL ServerSummary
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
- Users report that Microsoft SQL Server excels in Data Migration with a score of 9.0, making it a preferred choice for organizations looking to transition their databases smoothly. In contrast, Azure SQL Database, while still competent, has a slightly lower score of 8.5 in this area.
- Reviewers mention that Azure SQL Database shines in Backup and Recovery, achieving a score of 9.2, which is on par with Microsoft SQL Server. However, users on G2 highlight that Azure's automated backup features are particularly user-friendly and efficient.
- G2 users indicate that Microsoft SQL Server has a robust Query Language capability, scoring 9.2, which is essential for complex data operations. Users appreciate its advanced querying features, while Azure SQL Database matches this score but lacks some of the advanced functionalities that SQL Server offers.
- Reviewers mention that Azure SQL Database provides superior Scalability with a score of 9.2, making it ideal for businesses expecting rapid growth. Users report that its cloud-native architecture allows for seamless scaling compared to Microsoft SQL Server's more traditional setup.
- Users say that Microsoft SQL Server's Performance Analysis tools, scoring 8.9, are highly regarded for their depth and effectiveness in monitoring database performance. In contrast, Azure SQL Database, while scoring similarly, is noted for its ease of use in performance monitoring.
- Reviewers mention that Azure SQL Database's Security features, particularly in Data Encryption and User Access Control, score higher than Microsoft SQL Server, with scores of 9.0 and 8.8 respectively. Users appreciate Azure's comprehensive security measures, which are crucial for cloud environments.
Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
Azure SQL Database
No pricing availableMicrosoft SQL Server
No pricing availableFree Trial
Azure SQL Database
No trial information availableMicrosoft SQL Server
No trial information availableRatings
Meets Requirements
9.0
185
9.0
1,847
Ease of Use
8.8
184
8.6
1,863
Ease of Setup
8.6
99
8.1
984
Ease of Admin
8.5
81
8.3
945
Quality of Support
8.8
178
8.3
1,641
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
8.7
77
8.4
895
Product Direction (% positive)
9.6
170
8.4
1,818
Features by Category
Management
Not enough data
8.9
150
Not enough data
8.9
150
Not enough data
9.2
155
Not enough data
8.9
150
Not enough data
8.9
152
Maintenance
Not enough data
8.9
150
Not enough data
9.0
155
Not enough data
9.0
151
Security
Not enough data
8.9
149
Not enough data
9.1
151
Management
8.9
73
9.1
147
9.2
72
9.2
148
8.7
67
8.8
134
8.5
71
8.9
140
Support
8.8
73
8.6
143
8.8
74
9.1
147
8.7
72
8.7
142
8.6
72
8.5
146
Security
8.6
71
8.9
146
8.9
75
9.1
146
9.0
73
8.9
143
9.0
73
9.0
146
Performance
8.9
71
8.8
142
8.7
70
8.9
139
8.7
71
8.8
145
8.8
66
8.7
143
8.7
70
8.9
144
Database Features
9.3
95
8.9
1282
9.4
96
9.0
1287
9.2
96
8.9
1294
9.2
96
8.7
1261
9.2
95
8.8
1263
8.6
92
8.8
1269
8.8
93
9.1
1289
Configuration
8.9
78
Not enough data
8.5
75
Not enough data
8.8
78
Not enough data
8.1
72
Not enough data
9.0
77
Not enough data
Database Administration
8.7
76
Not enough data
8.8
76
Not enough data
8.7
75
Not enough data
Availability
9.1
78
Not enough data
9.2
77
Not enough data
8.6
77
Not enough data
9.0
76
Not enough data
Security
8.8
66
Not enough data
9.1
68
Not enough data
8.6
65
Not enough data
Data Management
8.7
70
Not enough data
8.6
65
Not enough data
Database
Not enough data
8.6
55
Not enough data
8.8
56
Not enough data
8.4
53
Integrations
Not enough data
7.8
44
Not enough data
8.3
44
Platform
Not enough data
8.3
49
Not enough data
8.6
52
Not enough data
8.3
44
Processing
Not enough data
8.6
51
Not enough data
8.5
54
Building Reports
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Platform
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
Azure SQL Database and Microsoft SQL Server are categorized as Relational Databases
Unique Categories
Azure SQL Database is categorized as Database as a Service (DBaaS)
Microsoft SQL Server is categorized as Database Management Systems (DBMS), Big Data Processing and Distribution, and On-Premise Data Integration
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
Azure SQL Database
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Microsoft SQL Server
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Small-Business
(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market
(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise
(> 1000 emp.)
Reviewers' Industry
Information Technology and Services
25.0%
Computer Software
20.4%
Financial Services
4.6%
Hospital & Health Care
4.2%
Telecommunications
2.8%
Other
43.1%
Information Technology and Services
24.2%
Computer Software
13.7%
Hospital & Health Care
5.4%
Financial Services
4.3%
Higher Education
2.9%
Other
49.6%
Alternatives
Discussions
What is Azure SQL Database used for?
3 Comments
PU
Azure SQL Database is used for storing, managing, and analyzing data in the cloud. It’s great for running applications, generating reports, and handling...Read more
Is Azure SQL Database free?
2 Comments
AD
There is a free tier, but for production workload you have to pay.Read more
Azure SQL Database has no more discussions with answers
What is the best way to save your queries?
4 Comments
CA
I recommend that you use the saved querys in plain text or .sql or txt format you can use the same sql server query creator or a notepad +++ tool, they are...Read more
How could I make much easier the experience with the order of my database?
4 Comments
AF
You can create different tables with your employee information eg employee table, employee roles etc. Then you can create a single view that will pull data...Read more
How can I work on the same query if the connection is lost (timeout) and then I reconnect?
4 Comments
JE
When this happens to me in SQL Server Management Studio, I just have to type USE {your database name here} and then select only that statement and execute...Read more
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