Azure SQL Database is a fully managed platform as a service (PaaS) database engine that handles most of the database management functions such as upgrading, patching, backups, and monitoring without user involvement.
Azure SQL Database is always running on the latest stable version of the SQL Server database engine and patched OS with 99.99% availability.
Azure SQL Database is based on the latest stable version of the Microsoft SQL Server database engine.
Deployment models
- Single database represents a fully managed, isolated database. You might use this option if you have modern cloud applications and microservices that need a single reliable data source. A single database is similar to a contained database in the SQL Server database engine.
- Elastic pool is a collection of single databases with a shared set of resources, such as CPU or memory. Single databases can be moved into and out of an elastic pool.