Choosing between Azure SQL Database and SQL Managed Instance

Azure SQL Database and SQL Managed Instance both offer the benefits of the Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) model, in which the user doesn't manage the underlying hardware, software upgrades, and operating system configuration. The user therefore saves on the administrative cost of managing the platform.

These two deployments (SQL Database and SQL Managed Instance) provide additional services such as automated backups, Query Performance Insight (not available in SQL Managed Instance), Azure Defender for SQL, high availability, and disaster recovery. Each of the two deployments, therefore, provides a ready-to-use database for new or existing applications.

The two deployment options have common performance tiers, with Azure SQL Database now supporting the vCore pricing tiers.

With the two options each having similar sets of features, you should consider the following aspects when choosing between Azure SQL Database...