Overview

Microsoft Windows Azure SQL Database is the cloud equivalent of Microsoft SQL Server (with some differences) and runs in one of the datacenters all around the world.

SQL Database and Microsoft SQL Server do have a lot of similarities but also some important differences. They both rely on the TDS interface for using T-SQL statements. Because of this similarity, it is fairly easy to switch from your traditional on-premises SQL Server to a SQL database instance on the cloud. Like other Windows Azure services, SQL Database is also a managed service that releases you from the administration burden. SQL Database is exposed as a logical database, and any physical hardware plumbing is done by the platform. Obviously, you are still responsible for managing the actual databases, logins, and users.

As with Windows Azure Storage, databases on Windows Azure are replicated automatically to uphold maximum availability. Also, load balancing and failover is part of the deal. SQL Database maintains...