Relational data
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
SQL Server with guest and instance control on Azure VMs.
Key points
- SQL Server on Azure VMs preserves guest, instance, version, and extension control.
- The customer retains operating-system patching, availability, backup, and security responsibilities not handled by a database platform service.
Best-known use cases
- Run a SQL workload that requires a specific build, server-level extension, or operating-system access.
What candidates often confuse it with
- SQL Server on VMs maximizes compatibility and control; Managed Instance and SQL Database reduce operating responsibility with tighter platform boundaries.
Key takeaway
Choose SQL Server on Azure VMs only when hard guest or full-instance requirements rule out managed database services.
Relevant exam tasks
- D2.1.S1 — Recommend a solution for storing relational data