SQL Database Reserved vCores

Question

We have a number of databases running on Azure SQL Server resources. We would like to change them to SQL Database Reserved vCores. Is there a way to change the from Azure SQL Database to SQL Database Reserved vCores. We would like to find the easiest way to move our database (production) to the SQL Database Reserved vCores without downtime.

Answer 1

Hi,

There is no downtime. After you purchase reservation for the number of vCores you need, the discount for compute will be applied automatically.

NOTE: The above assumes you are currently running Azure SQL Database vCore Provisioned.

To purchase reservation you may navigate to Reservations in the Azure portal:

https://portal.azure.com/#view/Microsoft_Azure_Reservations/ReservationsBrowseBlade/productType/Reservations

When making your purchase you want to make sure you select the correct Performance Tier, Region, Term (1 or 3 years), Billing Frequency, and quantity. Performance Tier, Region, Quantity need to cover the Azure SQL resources you are currently running.

Please see article below for more information:

Save on compute costs with Azure Reservations - Azure SQL Database & SQL Managed Instance

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/reservations-discount-overview?view=azuresql

Additionally, I recommend you review Azure SQL Database Reserved Capacity FAQs at the bottom of pricing page:

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/details/azure-sql-database/single/

Please click Accept Answer and upvote if the above was helpful.

Thanks.

-TP

Answer 2

Hi Sipo Ching,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A Platform! Thank you for asking your question here.

In addition to the response provided by TP, I would like to add the following information.

We would like to inform you that, Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance enable you to dynamically add more resources to your database with minimal downtime; however, there is a switch over period where connectivity is lost to the database for a short amount of time, which can be mitigated using retry logic.

To migrate an Azure SQL Database to a SQL Database Reserved vCores model without downtime, you can purchase the reserved vCores through the Azure portal. Once the reservation is made, the discount will be applied automatically, allowing for a seamless transition without affecting database availability.

To change your Azure SQL Database from the Pay-as-you-go model to the vCore Reserved model, you can do this through the Azure portal.

Step 1: Navigate to your SQL Database and you wish to change from the Pay-as-you-go model.

Step 2: Click on the "Pricing tier" link on the Overview page of your database. This will allow you to modify the current pricing model.

Step 3: In the pricing tier options, select the vCore Reserved capacity that fits your workload requirements. You can choose between different service tiers such as General Purpose, Business Critical, or Hyperscale, depending on your needs.

The vCore-based purchasing model provides two different compute tiers:

1. Provisioned compute tier: provides a specific amount of compute resource that is continuously provisioned independent of workload activity, and bills for the amount of compute provisioned at a fixed price per hour.
2. Serverless compute tier: automatically scales compute resources based on workload activity and bills for the amount of compute used, per second. The serverless compute tier is generally available in the General Purpose service tier and in the Hyperscale service tier.

Step 4: After selecting the desired vCore Reserved model, review the changes and confirm to apply them. This will switch your database to the reserved pricing model.

Please monitor the performance and billing to ensure a successful transition and to maximize the benefits of the reserved pricing.

I am able to reproduce the issue based on the provided steps.

Please refer to the below mentioned link for more information.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/scale-resources?view=azuresql

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/service-tiers-sql-database-vcore?view=azuresql

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azuresqlblog/migrating-to-azure-sql-database-with-zero-downtime-for-read-only-workloads/386180

I hope, This response will address your query and helped you to overcome on your challenges.

If this answers your query, do click Accept Answer and Yes for was this answer helpful. And, if you have any further query do let us know.

Answer 3

Thank you for the answers. I will try it out and let you know the result.