Optional: Deploy to Azure SQL Database

TimeXtender Classic users can leverage Azure SQL Database, a fully managed cloud database service from Microsoft, to deploy scalable and cost-effective data warehouse solutions. Azure SQL Database offers automatic updates, high availability (99.99% uptime), and flexible compute/storage scaling, making it ideal for organizations prioritizing cloud agility and reduced infrastructure management. Unlike traditional SQL Server, Azure SQL Database supports Serverless Compute tiers for automatic cost optimization and "Hyperscale" service tiers for high-performance production workloads.


Further Reading:

Key Benefits of Azure SQL Database

  • Managed Infrastructure: Eliminates manual patching and updates while providing built-in backups and security.
  • Elastic Scalability: Adjust compute resources (vCores/DTUs) dynamically to match workload demands.
  • Cost Efficiency: Serverless Compute tiers pause databases during inactivity, reducing costs for intermittent workloads.

Recommended Service Tiers

  1. Hyperscale Tier (Production):
    Designed for large-scale data warehouses, Hyperscale supports multi-terabyte datasets with high I/O throughput and rapid log scalability. This tier minimizes latency during heavy ETL operations, making it optimal for mission-critical workloads.
  2. General Purpose Tier with Serverless Compute (Development:
    Combines budget-friendly pricing with automatic pausing during downtime. Ideal for development/test environments or smaller datasets, Serverless Compute scales resources based on demand and resumes operations within seconds of inactivity.

Unique Configuration

  • Use separate schemas (e.g., STG, DWH) within a single database to bypass Azure SQL’s lack of cross-database queries.
  • Configure Direct Read settings to "Matching Server and Database" for efficient SELECT INTO operations.
  • Enable retries (2–3 minute delays) in execution packages to handle Serverless tier scaling/pausing issues.

By aligning Azure SQL Database’s service tiers with workload requirements, TimeXtender Classic users achieve a balance of performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency for modern data warehousing.

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