Azure SQL Database and General Azure Questions

Question

Hello everyone,

We are experinced in on-premise world, but when it comes to cloud world we are rookie. So, we have some questions to understand Azure Cloud.

1. Like Oracle SQL and ODI in on-premise world, What is the best tool combination in terms of performace and pricing for ETL process in Azure Cloud? I looked at Azure SQL Database and Azure Data Factory, are these the best combination? Or is there a different combination you can suggest?
2. What is the main difference between Azure SQL Database and SQL Server on Azure?
3. Does SQL Server on Azure means SQL Server Stretch Database ? If yes, what is the stretch database?
4. Is it possible to write stored procedures (like in on-premise Oracle SQL) in Azure SQL Database and SQL Server Stretch Database?
5. In pricing calculator, we have a few attempts to add some tools like Azure SQL Database, Azure Data Factory and a VM. But, we are confused of this process. When we add Azure SQL Database, we saw below image. Why we need to choose Purchase Model, Hardware Type and Instance? Does Azure SQL Database work on its own VM? If yes, do we still need to add VM product seperately?
6. In Azure Data Factory, what is the main difference between Data Pipeline and SQL Server Integration Services in Service Type selection. You can see corresponding image below.

Any help would be really appreciated.

Thanks,

Answer 1

Hey,

Please find below the responses:

1. In Azure, there are multiple components for oracle depending on the amount of data and usage like in case if it is warehousing like Azure synapse and in case if it is for transactional purpose then Azure SQL database. And ETL tool similar to ODI would be ADF (and can be Databricks/Azure functions etc as complimentary)
2. SQL Server on Azure means IaaS and Azure SQL Database is PaaS : https://medium.com/awesome-azure/azure-difference-between-azure-sql-database-and-sql-server-on-vm-comparison-azure-sql-vs-sql-server-vm-cf02578a1188#:~:text=Azure%20SQL%20Database%20offers%20Database,in%20a%20On%2DPremise%20datacenter.
3. My guess is No. But I don't have much idea w.r.t stretch database
4. yes, you can create Stored procs in Azure SQL DB
5. based on the purchase model you choose , it depends. If you select DTU model

6. It is usually Data pipeline integration run time until you leverage SSIS packages in your jobs.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/data-factory/concepts-integration-runtime

Answer 2

Adding to Nandan answer, Stretch Database is deprecated so for Q#3 the answer is no.

For Q#5 take in consideration Azure SQL Database DTU model does not pay licensing fees. Azure SQL Serverless can be paused and the same for Azure SQL Managed Instance.