Microsoft® SQL Azure™ is a relational cloud database service hosted in Microsoft’s datacenters and built on SQL Server and Windows Server technologies. SQL Azure supports the tools that developers are already familiar with, ensuring developer agility and quick deployment.

Database Scenarios for SQL Azure

Scalable Web applications. Small customers, hobbyists, or startups with Web applications of any scale that need a relational database can get started with SQL Azure with low start-up costs.

ISV packaged or custom line-of-business applications. Traditional SaaS ISVs and custom developer can extend their offerings or offer packaged or custom software hosted in the cloud.

Departmental applications. Enterprises can quickly build departmental or workgroup applications, providing high availability and scaling with no configuration or physical management. In addition, central IT can discover, manage, and enforce policy for these applications.

Data Hubs. Companies can use SQL Azure to consolidate multiple data sources in the cloud and enable secure access from multiple locations and multiple devices.

For developers, SQL Azure offers the well-known rich relational programming model, and uses a familiar data access protocol and simple deployment options. SQL Azure simplifies the process of creating, prototyping, and deploying applications that integrate data across the enterprise. SQL Azure removes infrastructure obstacles, thereby giving developers more freedom to innovate and experiment with new ways of sharing data. 

To learn more, visit the SQL Azure home page.