Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-304) Practice Test

Which Azure service provides dedicated infrastructure for SQL Server databases?

1. Azure SQL Database

2. SQL Server IaaS VM

3. SQL Database Elastic Pool

4. Azure Cosmos DB

The correct answer is: SQL Server IaaS VM

The choice of a SQL Server IaaS VM as the correct answer highlights its unique attribute of offering dedicated infrastructure tailored specifically for SQL Server databases. This service provides full control over the SQL Server instance, enabling organizations to install custom configurations, extensions, or any specific database environment they may require. By utilizing a virtual machine (VM), users can implement their desired level of performance, scalability, and security based on their existing hardware or licensing agreements. Unlike the Azure SQL Database, which is a platform as a service (PaaS) offering designed for high availability and automatic scaling, it does not provide dedicated infrastructure in the same way a VM does. Azure SQL Database operates on shared resources and abstracts underlying infrastructure complexities. A SQL Database Elastic Pool allows multiple Azure SQL Databases to share resources, optimizing performance and cost management. However, it still does not deliver the dedicated infrastructure benefits associated with a SQL Server IaaS VM. Azure Cosmos DB, on the other hand, is a globally-distributed, multi-model database service that does not specifically cater to SQL Server workloads but rather supports a variety of data models and APIs, making it quite different from the SQL Server-centric offerings. Therefore, SQL Server IaaS VM stands out as the best option