SQL Azure

There is now an alternative to running your own SQL Server software, which is to let Microsoft run it for you!

In order to run the SQL Server software locally you may need to;

• buy a machine to run it on,
• have somewhere to keep it (they're often noisy as they need cooling),
• buy Windows Server software,
• buy SQL Server.
  

All of which could be quite expensive.

• You will also need to back it up and have the expertise to restore it.
• If you have a Windows application or Access front end at different sites that need to connect to the database you will need to set up your network to allow this access.

SQL Azure does away with these problems as it runs in Microsoft's data centres. Your front end programs are pointed to your SQL Azure database not your internal one. Of course there are things you need to consider:

• Your data is no longer held within your building.
• All reading and writing of data will go over the internet, so your existing internet connection may not be fast enough to cope.
• At the moment there are a few things that the Azure version cannot do compared to the locally installed version.

But probably the biggest advantage is cost. Since its launch until now (mid 2011) the pricing starts at £6 per month. Yes it's not a typo - six pounds per month!

We have one customer running out of three sites with an Access front end and about ten users. They are very happy with it.

The Microsoft SQL Azure site has more information, but it can be overwhelming!

Call 01604 879505 to discuss your requirements   enquiries@blackmanassociates.co.uk
Based in Northampton in the UK and working with companies worldwide.