Azure SQL Database Elastic Query Preview

Question

Azure SQL Database Elastic Query Preview

Philipp Meier 20

Hi,

I got pretty much the same questions that were asked on reddit:

Azure SQL Database elasitc query (2025) - still in preview?

Is it safe to use "elastic queries" / cross-database queries with Azure SQL Databases in production environments in 2025, although the functionality is still in preview, if the currently described limitations aren't a problem?

Or do we have to worry that this functionality will be (entirely) dropped in the future in favor of another approach?

Is there an official statement regarding this topic?

Thanks in advance!

Adithya Prasad K 1,375 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-05-27T12:41:09.9266667+00:00

Hi Philipp Meier,

It looks like you're seeking clarity on the status of Azure SQL Database elastic queries in 2025 and their suitability for production use.
Current Status of Elastic Queries: As of now, the elastic query feature remains in preview, meaning while it enables cross-database querying within Azure SQL Database, it has not yet reached full production readiness. Despite this, the feature is supported across all service tiers, allowing read-only queries across multiple databases.

supplemental terms of use
**share feedback with the product group
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Considerations for Production Use: Using elastic queries in a production environment comes with certain considerations due to its preview status. If the existing limitations—such as read-only access and restrictions on LOB data types beyond nvarchar(max)—do not impact your specific application, many users have successfully leveraged elastic queries, particularly for reporting and analytics. However, it is important to keep a note that preview features may undergo changes or even be deprecated, which introduces some level of risk for long-term reliance.

Future Support & Official Guidance: While Microsoft has not provided explicit confirmation regarding the long-term availability of elastic queries, they generally offer migration paths or alternative solutions if a feature is phased out. Staying informed through the official Azure documentation and updates is the best approach to track any announcements related to general availability or potential modifications to the functionality.

If the current limitations align with your needs and you are comfortable with the possibility of changes, elastic queries may be a feasible option for production use. However, maintaining awareness of Microsoft's guidance and possible future developments is advisable.

You may find these links helpful Please refer to the following links for more comprehensive information
Azure SQL Database elastic query overview (preview)
Preview
Preview limitations
Adithya Prasad K 1,375 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-05-28T13:01:11.0833333+00:00

Hi Philipp Meier,
We haven’t heard from you on the last response and was just checking back to see if you have a resolution yet. In case if you have any resolution please do share that same with the community as it can be helpful to others. Otherwise, will respond with more details and we will try to help.
Philipp Meier 20 Reputation points

2025-05-28T17:41:57.51+00:00

Hi @Adithya Prasad K ,

Thank you very much for your response!

I was honestly hoping to get more insights about the plans for elastic queries (roadmap?) to get an idea whether long-term availability is still planned or if we are heading more towards the deprecation side, as this feature has been in preview for many years.

I consider the question as answered, as I got a better idea of what the preview state for elastic queries means and where I can follow the state of the development.

Furthermore, the hint that migration paths are usually provided, also helped.

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Adithya Prasad K 1,375 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-05-28T13:01:11.0833333+00:00

Hi Philipp Meier,
We haven’t heard from you on the last response and was just checking back to see if you have a resolution yet. In case if you have any resolution please do share that same with the community as it can be helpful to others. Otherwise, will respond with more details and we will try to help.
Philipp Meier 20 Reputation points

2025-05-28T17:41:57.51+00:00

Hi @Adithya Prasad K ,

Thank you very much for your response!

I was honestly hoping to get more insights about the plans for elastic queries (roadmap?) to get an idea whether long-term availability is still planned or if we are heading more towards the deprecation side, as this feature has been in preview for many years.

I consider the question as answered, as I got a better idea of what the preview state for elastic queries means and where I can follow the state of the development.

Furthermore, the hint that migration paths are usually provided, also helped.

Answer 1

Hi Philipp Meier, Thank you so much for your query I truly appreciate you asking. I agree with the points mentioned above, and would like to add a few additional considerations below

As of mid-2025, the Elastic Query feature in Azure SQL Database remains in Preview status a designation it has held for several years. This document summarizes the current state of the feature, assesses its long-term viability, and outlines key considerations for teams planning to use it in production environments.

Feature Overview: Elastic Query enables read-only, cross-database querying between Azure SQL Databases. It has been useful in reporting and analytics use cases where data is distributed across multiple databases.
However, the feature has limitations:
- Only SELECT operations are supported.
- Does not support Azure Managed Identity.
- Requires public network access; private endpoints are not supported.
- Limited LOB data type support (only nvarchar(max)).
- No ability to join external tables across elastic pools.
Current Status: Despite its usefulness, Elastic Query has not progressed beyond Preview Still officially marked as a Preview feature in Microsoft's documentation. No official GA (General Availability) timeline has been provided by Microsoft. No recent improvements or roadmap disclosures have been made publicly available. Support is limited, and the feature is excluded from Azure service SLAs. Microsoft representatives have acknowledged that Elastic Query remains in preview without a confirmed GA date.
Future Outlook: The extended preview period and lack of roadmap updates raise legitimate questions about Microsoft's long-term plans for this feature. While there is no official deprecation notice, several indicators suggest that Elastic Query may no longer be a strategic focus. There have been no significant updates to the feature for several years.
Microsoft has promoted alternative services for cross-database and federated queries:
- Azure SQL Managed Instance (MI) - Supports native cross-database joins with full GA status.
- Azure Synapse Analytics (Serverless SQL Pools) - Offers data virtualization across multiple sources.
- Azure Data Factory / Azure Fabric Pipelines - Used for federated data movement and integration.
You can refer this Documentation Also, this Documentation

Kindly consider Upvoting the Answer if the information provided is helpful. This can assist other community members in resolving similar issues

Shraddha Pore 450 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-06-06T15:07:29.31+00:00

Hi Philipp Meier, Please do not forget to click "Accept the answer” and Yes wherever the information provided helps you, this can be beneficial to other community members.

If you have any other questions or still running into more issues, let me know in the "comments" and I would be happy to help you.

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