Hosting Azure SQL Databases in Multiple Regions for Compliance and Access via Single API

Devesh Tiwari 180

We are looking to implement a multi-region data storage strategy using Azure SQL Database. Our goal is to store EU customer data in an Azure SQL Database located in an EU region and non-EU customer data in a US-based Azure SQL Database to meet compliance requirements.

Can we host two separate Azure SQL databases in different regions (EU and US) and access them via the same API, dynamically routing requests based on the customer’s region? Additionally, what would be the best practices for implementing this setup while ensuring minimal latency and compliance with data residency regulations?

Would appreciate any guidance on architecture, routing strategies, and potential limitations.

Thank you!

Adithya Prasad K 10 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor

2025-02-28T14:44:26.5366667+00:00

Implementing a multi-region data storage strategy using Azure SQL Database to comply with data residency regulations is a common requirement for organizations operating in multiple jurisdictions. Here’s how you can achieve this, along with best practices for architecture, routing strategies, and potential limitations.
Multi-Region Data Storage Strategy with Azure SQL Database
Separate Databases: Establish two distinct Azure SQL Databases—one in an EU region for EU customer data, and the other in a US region for non-EU data.
API Layer: Implement an API, such as Azure Functions, to handle requests and direct them to the appropriate database based on the customer's region.
Data Access Logic: Securely store connection strings (e.g., in Azure Key Vault) to connect the API to the appropriate region-specific database.
Routing Strategy:Region Detection: Detect the user's region using geolocation or require customers to specify their region during the authentication process.
Dynamic Routing: Route API requests to the correct database based on the detected region and handle any errors if the database is unavailable.
Caching: Implement caching, such as Azure Cache for Redis, to improve performance and reduce latency for frequently accessed data.
Best Practices:
Compliance: Ensure GDPR compliance by implementing encryption, strict access controls, and thorough audit logging to safeguard customer data.
Latency Optimization: Deploy the API layer in a region with low latency and consider using Azure Front Door or Azure Traffic Manager for efficient request routing across regions.
Data Synchronization: Use Azure Data Factory to manage data movement between regions while adhering to data residency regulations.
Monitoring and Logging: Utilize Azure Monitor and Application Insights to track system performance, including error rates, latency, and request metrics.
Security: Leverage Azure Active Directory for secure authentication and configure database firewalls to control access to the databases.
Potential Limitations:
Data Residency Compliance: Ensure that EU data is not stored in the US database to avoid violating data residency regulations, particularly GDPR.
Increased Complexity: Managing databases in multiple regions can introduce complexity, requiring careful planning and resource allocation.
Cross-Region Latency: Be mindful of potential latency when accessing data across regions, which could impact performance.
Cost Considerations: Keep track of costs related to maintaining multiple databases, including data transfer fees and the expenses associated with cross-region requests.
I would request you to refer the below mentioned links for more information
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/compliance/
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/frontdoor/front-door-overview
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/traffic-manager/traffic-manager-overview
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/data-factory/introduction

I hope this information helps. Please do let us know if you have any further queries.

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Hosting Azure SQL Databases in Multiple Regions for Compliance and Access via Single API

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