Introduction

This lesson talks about the important database features available in an Azure SQL database. The lesson talks about SQL Data Sync, which is used to sync data between two or more Azure SQL databases or on-premises SQL servers, the SQL Graph capabilities and enhancements, and Machine Learning services available in an Azure SQL Database.

Azure SQL Data Sync

As the name suggests, Azure SQL Data Sync allows bi-directional data sync between one or more Azure SQL databases and on-premises databases. The Azure SQL Data Sync service is free; however, there are charges for data movement into and out of Azure SQL Database.

The following diagram shows how data is typically synced between an Azure SQL database and an on-premises database:

Figure 10.1: Syncing between an Azure SQL database and on-premises database

Azure SQL Data Sync consists of a sync group. A sync group has a hub database and one or more member databases. The data sync is always from hub to member, or from member...