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Decision helper

Which Azure SQL target should you migrate to?

The features your databases use decide the target. Answer the questions for each application, then confirm the result with the Azure Arc or Azure Migrate assessment.

6 questionsTakes about a minuteBased on official guidance
Does the app need operating system access, third-party agents on the server, or full SQL Server compatibility?

1. Does the app need operating system access, third-party agents on the server, or full SQL Server compatibility?

Do the databases use FILESTREAM, OLE Automation or extended stored procedures?

2. Do the databases use FILESTREAM, OLE Automation or extended stored procedures?

Microsoft's feature comparison lists these as not supported in either Azure SQL Database or Managed Instance.

Do queries join across databases with three-part names, or use linked servers or distributed transactions?

3. Do queries join across databases with three-part names, or use linked servers or distributed transactions?

Do you rely on SQL Server Agent jobs or Database Mail?

4. Do you rely on SQL Server Agent jobs or Database Mail?

Do the databases use CLR assemblies or Service Broker?

5. Do the databases use CLR assemblies or Service Broker?

Does the app use several databases on one server together, or other instance-level features your assessment flags?

6. Does the app use several databases on one server together, or other instance-level features your assessment flags?

This helper applies the rules in our How to migrate SQL Server to Azure SQL and the vendor documentation below. Your situation may have factors it does not ask about, so read the playbook's "Choose your approach" section before you commit.

Sources

Microsoft Learn: Features comparison: Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed InstanceMicrosoft Learn: SQL Server to Azure SQL Managed Instance migration overviewMicrosoft Learn: SQL Server to Azure SQL Database migration overviewMicrosoft Learn: Migrate to Azure SQL Managed Instance with Azure ArcMicrosoft Learn: Tutorial: Migrate SQL Server to Azure SQL Database (offline)Microsoft Learn: Assess migration readiness with Azure Arc