What is MySQL on Azure?

Azure Database for MySQL is a PaaS feature in Microsoft’s Azure Cloud. It's a fully managed database as a service offering that can handle mission-critical workloads with predictable performance and dynamic scalability. Basically, you get a fully functional, fully managed relational MySQL database server based on the latest MySQL Community edition. The only difference is that the server is hosted on the Azure cloud. The main features of MySQL on Azure are:

  • 99.99% availability - Azure provides a high availability SLA for all its services, ensuring that you face virtually zero downtime.

  • Fully managed service - No upfront cost of installations, no hassles of routine security, maintenance, updates, and patches.

  • Easily set up and deploy your server within minutes- Azure Database for MYSQL provides two popular deployment models – Single server deployment for existing workloads and Flexible Server Deployment which gives you more granular control of the database.

  • Get intelligent insights - Get customized recommendations to improve database performance.

  • Pay-as-you-go - Pay only for servers that you use. You can easily provision servers, scale up, and change your pricing tier whenever needed.

Azure Database for MySQL powered by the MySQL community edition is available in two deployment modes:

  • Flexible Server

    Azure Database for MySQL Flexible Server is a fully managed production-ready database service designed for more granular control and flexibility over database management functions and configuration settings. The flexible server architecture allows users to opt for high availability within single availability zone and across multiple availability zones. Flexible servers provides better cost optimization controls with the ability to stop/start server and burstable compute tier, ideal for workloads that don't need full compute capacity continuously.

  • Single Server

Azure Database for MySQL single server is a fully managed database service designed for minimal customization. The single server platform is designed to handle most of the database management functions such as patching, backups, high availability, security with minimal user configuration and control.