difference between sql database and managed sql instance

Question

I came across that we can even query across the database in managed sql instance, Is it really possible... and also want to know what are the advantages over sql database

Answer 1

It is really possible ;P

Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance connect and query articles
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/connect-query-content-reference-guide
APPLIES TO: Azure SQL Database Azure SQL Managed Instance

1. Sign in to the Azure portal.
2. Navigate to the database or managed instance you want to query.
3. On the Overview page, review the fully qualified server name next to Server name for your database in SQL Database or the fully qualified server name (or IP address) next to Host for your managed instance in SQL Managed Instance or your SQL Server instance on your VM. To copy the server name or host name, hover over it and select the Copy icon.

Quickstart: Use SSMS to connect to and query Azure SQL Database or Azure SQL Managed Instance
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/connect-query-ssms?view=sql-server-ver15
APPLIES TO: Azure SQL Database Azure SQL Managed Instance

Quickstart: Use Visual Studio Code to connect and query
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/connect-query-vscode?view=sql-server-ver15
APPLIES TO: Azure SQL Database Azure SQL Managed Instance

Azure SQL Database Creation - Azure SQL vs managed instance vs SQL VM - Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNvk42lSI7c

Best regards.

Answer 2

Hi @Anonymous Thank you for posting your question on Microsoft Q&A and for using Azure services.

My understanding is that you are asking if cross database queries is possible in Azure SQL Managed Instance. Please correct me if my understanding is wrong.
Cross Database queries is possible both in Azure SQL managed Instance and Azure SQL Database.

For Managed Instance, you can create linked servers to do a cross database queries.
Please clarify the following ask. "What are the advantages over Azure SQL"
What is your scenario?

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/azure-database-support-blog/cross-database-query-in-azure-sql-database/ba-p/369126

Regards,
Oury

Answer 3

Cross database queries on Azure Managed Instance can be used the same as a traditional SQL Server instance. On Azure SQL Database you can use Elastic Queries to create cross database queries, but in terms of performance is maybe better to have all your current databases on one Azure SQL Database (different schemas for each database) than using elastic queries.

Please see the following article comparing these options:

Feature comparison of Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance and SQL Server on a VM.