SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines is a fast and straightforward migration infrastructure as a service (IaaS) 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, as a platform as a service (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.