SQL Server in the Cloud

Here’s a common theme I hear from small IT teams:

“Our SQL Server is in the cloud now. We don’t need a DBA.”

Really?

When you’re running SQL Server on cloud virtual machines like Azure SQL VM or AWS EC2, you’re still responsible for a lot of the same challenges you faced on-prem. The difference? Now you’re paying cloud rates for the same headaches. But you don’t have to deal with hardware and some of the other infrastructure hassles.

Let’s bust some of the top myths:

Cloud VM Myths That Can Hurt Your SQL Server

Myth 1: The Cloud Auto-Scales SQL Server for Me

• Cloud VMs don’t automatically adjust CPU, memory, or storage. If you don’t right-size your SQL Server, you may be paying too much or running into performance bottlenecks.

• Even with the right mix of vCPUs and Memory, you may be getting IOPS/Throughput throttling to the disks.

• The VM size needs to be in the right family as well. For database workloads, look for “Memory Optimized” options, especially for reporting workloads.

Myth 2: Cloud Patching Means I’m Always Safe

• Azure and AWS offer patching options for the O/S, but they don’t know your business hours or your workloads. A patch could restart your SQL Server at the worst possible time.

• Azure (and AWS?) will not auto-patch your SQL Server unless you turn it on via the SQL Server IaaS Agent extension. Is this really a good idea for your system? Are patches automatically supported by your software vendors?

  • The IaaS extension will only apply “Important or Critical” patches.

• As always, test all patches before applying to production.

Myth 3: Backups are Handled Automatically in the Cloud

• Cloud VMs give you the option to back up SQL Server. They don’t configure backups or validate them for your RTO/RPO needs.

• A DBA ensures backups run properly, are tested, and can meet your recovery goals.

Myth 4: The Cloud Handles SQL Performance

• The cloud gives you CPU, memory, and storage but it doesn’t tune your indexes, optimize queries, or troubleshoot blocking.

  • Some level of auto-tuning exists in the PaaS offering (Azure SQL DB), but I’ve seen it go hilariously wrong.

• A DBA does that. Without them, you may see slow performance over time, higher costs, and user/customer frustration.

Myth 5: SQL Server Licensing is Simpler in the Cloud

• Simple? Maybe. Cheaper? Probably not, even if you get it right.

• Cloud billing for SQL Server licensing can be complex, and mistakes add up fast.

• Overpaying for cores “just in case” is a silly way to spend. Start smaller and add resources, better disks, etc. as you determine your actual workload.

• This is one of the key reasons the Memory Optimized VMs exist...VMs are priced based more on vCPU count than anything else. Get that core count down by having a DBA tune your system periodically.

The Bottom Line:

SQL Server in the cloud can be a game changer. Wandering into the vendor’s portal or dashboard and blindly picking “something” is not the best approach. Get input from independent cloud experts and have a DBA review things from time to time.

Could Your SQL Server Survive a Failure Without Major Downtime?

 Take the Quiz!

Find out how bullet-proof your DR plan really is!

SQL tidBITs:

Check your SQL Server uptime:

SELECT 
   sqlserver_start_time  
FROM 
   sys.dm_os_sys_info;

Please share with someone that still thinks the “cloud” is literally up in the air. Specifically your grandma!

Bonus points for you if you know why we eve use the term “cloud” without looking it up!