Cosmos database analytical store Vs SQL Database with read replica

Question

Hi Team,

I am currently exploring Azure cosmos database and come across the 'Analytical store' feature of cosmos database.

I was reading MS documents related to use & benefits of analytical store, but my questions is how it's different than Azure SQL database with read replicas i.e. primary region is for read-write and secondary region is read only, because with analytic store, at the end Azure cosmos data i.e. Row Store is going to convert into Column Store. So, why can't we use SQL database itself at first place instead of Azure cosmos database?

if you can share some differences and when to use what that would be great.

Thank you,

Jaydeep

Answer 1

Thanks for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

Cosmos DB’s Analytical Store provides near real-time analytics on operational data, which is challenging to achieve with traditional SQL databases.

In addition, Cosmos DB is designed to handle massive scale and global distribution more seamlessly compared to Azure SQL Database with read replicas.

At all, Azure Cosmos DB with Analytical Store offers specific advantages for scenarios requiring integrated real-time analytics on operational data, multi-model support, and global distribution, while Azure SQL Database with read replicas is more suited for traditional relational workloads with high read scalability.

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