SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
Host enterprise SQL server apps in the cloud and save.
Migrate SQL Server to virtual machines and save
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines is part of the Azure SQL family of databases. Migrate your SQL Server workloads to the cloud to get the performance and security of SQL Server combined with the flexibility and hybrid connectivity of Azure. Lower your total cost of ownership (TCO)1 and get free, built-in security and automated management when you register your virtual machines (VMs) with the SQL Server IaaS Agent extension at no extra cost.
Higher performance and lower TCO for running SQL Server in the cloud.
Simple, familiar SQL Server for versatile virtual machines.
Robust, simple high availability/disaster recovery (HA/DR) with Always On availability groups.
Built-in security and management with automated security updates and simplified configuration management.
Get higher performance and lower TCO
Use simple, familiar SQL Server
Assemble workloads with robust and simple HA/DR
Help protect your data with built-in security
Comprehensive security and compliance, built in
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Microsoft invests more than $1 billion annually on cybersecurity research and development.
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We employ more than 3,500 security experts who are dedicated to data security and privacy.
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Azure has more certifications than any other cloud provider. View the comprehensive list.
SQL Server 2022 now available
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Save with flexible pricing
Manage costs across SQL Server editions and virtual machine series on both Linux and Windows. Azure Hybrid Benefit and Azure Reserved Virtual Machine Instances let you save on database and virtual machine services in the cloud using your existing on-premises licenses and reserved pricing3.
Get started with an Azure free account
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Start free. Get $200 credit to use within 30 days. While you have your credit, get free amounts of many of our most popular services, plus free amounts of 55+ other services that are always free.
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After your credit, move to pay as you go to keep building with the same free services. Pay only if you use more than your free monthly amounts.
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After 12 months, you'll keep getting 55+ always-free services—and still pay only for what you use beyond your free monthly amounts.
Trusted by companies of all sizes
Rx.Health revamps automated processes with Azure
"Our engineers and clinicians are creating automation and monitoring magic in healthcare with our platform, and Microsoft Azure is the foundation."
Richard Strobridge, CEO, Rx.Health
Healthcare software manufacturer saves costs through cloud migration
Allscripts moved 600 on-premises virtual machines to Azure and reused on-premises Windows Server and SQL Server licenses in the cloud with Azure Hybrid Benefit to maximize cost savings.
SQL Server resources
Migration
Community and support
Frequently asked questions about SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
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Azure Hybrid Benefit is special pricing designed to help you maximize the value of your current licensing investments while accelerating your migration to the cloud. There’s no application process or waiting period. Read the Azure Hybrid Benefit FAQ.
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Azure offers preconfigured SQL Server virtual machine images for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Ubuntu Linux, and Windows Server.
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Azure Ultra Disk Storage is now generally available.
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SQL Server 2012 Extended Support ended on July 12, 2022. If you have SQL Server 2012 but don't have Software Assurance, you can still migrate to Azure and get Extended Security Updates free for three years. If you have SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 but don't have Software Assurance, you can still enjoy Extended Security Updates in Azure. This includes one additional year of 2008 Extended Security Updates, only in Azure, until July 9, 2023, for SQL Server 2008/2008 R2.
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SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS) is a fast and straightforward migration option, but it requires a more hands-on approach to database administration. You'll continue to purchase, install, and manage your own software, including operating systems and applications. Azure SQL Managed Instance (PaaS) eliminates day-to-day administration but may require changes to the application code. Automated features boost performance and data protection, while serverless and hyperscale automatically scale compute and storage.