The Advantages of SQL Azure and Microsoft Access Why Access and SQL Azure make an excellent combination.
The Cloud is good for your career People that work with Microsoft Azure Cloud Technologies make more money.
Microsoft Azure and Cloud Computing...What it Means to Me and Information Workers An article by Luke Chung, President of FMS.
Introducing SQL Azure Database An introduction to the benefits and features of Microsoft SQL Azure.
As Microsoft’s SQL Azure gains altitude, industry eyes chances of reign An article about the growing use of SQL Azure by businesses and non-profit organizations.
Seven things that may surprise you about the Windows Azure Platform
Introducing SQL Azure Database The Key Benefits of Microsoft SQL Azure.
SQL Azure at a Glance A Microsoft Showcase walkthrough video that takes a high-level look at the numerous benefits and usage scenarios of SQL Azure. The video highlights the many ways SQL Azure services can be used to create and share cloud powered applications.
Cloud Computing: An Introduction to SQL Azure With SQL Azure, you can realize the benefits of a familiar relational database platform, plus the benefits of cloud computing.
The Advantages of SQL Azure and Microsoft Access Learn What SQL Azure and Microsoft Access Can Do for You. Learn about lower costs, no expensive hardware to purchase and maintain, faster developement time, safe access to your data 24/7, and more.
SQL Azure Pricing Explained This Microsoft Showcase video provides an in-depth description of pricing for SQL Azure.
Comparing SQL Server with SQL Azure SQL Azure is compared to SQL Server with a helpful chart of features.
Moving to Multi-Tenant Database Model Made Easy with SQL Azure Federations The benefits of scaling out using SQL Azure federations.
Access 2010 and SQL Azure An article by Russell Sinclair from the The Microsoft Office Blog.
Microsoft Access and Cloud Computing with SQL Azure Databases (Linking to SQL Server Tables in the Cloud) An article by Luke Chung, President of FMS.
Deploying Microsoft Databases Linked to a SQL Azure Database to Users without SQL Server Installed on their Machine An article by Luke Chung, President of FMS.
Connecting Microsoft Access to SQL Azure A Walkthrough demonstrating step-by-step how to use Access to link to tables in a SQL Azure database using a DSN (Data Source Name) file by MVP Dhananjay Kumar.
Optimizing Microsoft Office Access Applications Linked to SQL Server Even though this article is about SQL Server, most of the article can be applied to SQL Azure.
Handling Transactions in SQL Azure Learn about using Transactions in SQL Azure.
Building Safer SQL Azure Cloud Applications with Microsoft Access Examines the security risks of using DSNs, Linked Tables, and saved Pass-through queries and demonstrates how to safely get data from SQL Azure using Access.
How To's for Access, SQL Azure, and SQL Server Come to this page for the latest How To's, tips, and code.
Overview of SQL Azure Features Learn about the capabilities and benefits of SQL Azure, the pricing and metering for a SQL Azure Database, SQL Azure Federations, and the capabilities of SQL Azure Data Sync to transfer data between databases.
Get up to $3,700.00 in annual Windows Azure benefits at no charge If you’re an existing Visual Studio Professional, Premium or Ultimate with MSDN subscriber, you get up to $3,700 in annual Windows Azure platform benefits at no extra charge. This offer provides a base level of Compute, Storage, SQL Azure database, Access Control, Service Bus and Caching each month at no charge. This page features a Benefits table for MSDN Subscribers.
SQL Azure Content Index A centralized listing of all TechNet Wiki content pertaining to SQL Azure.
SQL Azure Content Index A centralized listing of content pertaining to SQL Azure including articles outside the TechNet Wiki.
Getting started with SQL Azure - Part 1 << Paras Doshi An introduction to getting started using SQL Azure.
Getting started with SQL Azure - Part 2 << Paras Doshi How to open a Windows Azure account, create a SQL Azure Database, and connect to SQL Azure server Via SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
Getting started with SQL Azure - Part 3 << Paras Doshi Understanding SQL Azure provisioning and pricing.
Getting started with SQL Azure - Part 4 << Paras Doshi Understanding SQL Azure architecture and how SQL Azure works.
Getting started with SQL Azure - Part 5 << Paras Doshi How to manage the SQL Azure Firewall, Authentication, Authorization (Logins and Users), and encryption and SQL Azure.
Getting started with SQL Azure - Part 6: Migrating Databases to SQL Azure << Paras Doshi How to migrate a SQL server 2008 R2 database to SQL Azure.
Getting started with SQL Azure - Part 7: SQL Azure administration - I << Paras Doshi How to improve Performance and backup and restore strategies for SQL Azure.
Getting started with SQL Azure - Part 8: SQL Azure administration - II << Paras Doshi How to manage firewall rules, SQL Azure servers, databases and Logins, troubleshoot connection issues, monitor database size and costs, monitor SQL Azure availability, and migrating to SQL Azure.
Getting started with SQL Azure - Part 9: Developing SQL Azure applications << Paras Doshi This article includes helpful information about the differences in T-SQL supported statements in SQL Azure and SQL Server, management tools, and connecting to SQL Azure.
Getting started with SQL Azure - Part 10 A: SQL Azure Data SYNC and SQL Azure reporting << Paras Doshi This article includes walkthroughs on how to use SQL Azure Reporting and SQL Azure Data Sync.
Getting started with SQL Azure - Part 10 B: Conclusion << Paras Doshi The conclusion to the series and some helpful links for futher information.
SQL Azure Database Guide A TechNet Wiki article with an abundance of links to resources and information that will help you learn more about the Microsoft SQL Azure Database. The article highlights Getting Started, Architecture and Design, How To, Training, Code Samples, Videos, Community Resources.
Basic Architectural Considerations When Developing SQL Azure Databases This walkthrough provides an overview of some basic architectural considerations that you can use to establish best practices and optimize your SQL Azure databases. Specifically, the video discusses standard database optimization techniques, database sharding, and table considerations. The demo portion of the video shows how to create a clustered index in the Windows Azure portal and shows how to test for latency using SQL Server Management Studio. The conclusion points you to some additional resources to help you get started using SQL Azure.
Migrating Applications to Windows Azure Links to resources that can help you to understand what to consider when migrating applications to Windows Azure.
Storing and Accessing Data in Windows Azure Information about using Windows Azure Storage Services to store and access data.
SQL Azure: Survival Guide A TechNet Wiki with quick links to key Microsoft documentation resources and other technical information you need to get started with SQL Azure.
Windows Azure Platform FAQs Get the answers to your questions about Windows Azure and SQL Azure.
SQL Azure Feature Limitations Features in SQL Server not supported in SQL Azure.
SQL Azure Labs The Microsoft SQL Azure Labs page where you can test new features and prototypes.
Connecting MS Access and SQL Azure by Dave Jacob A step by step Walkthrough showing how to get started with Access and SQL Azure.
SQL Azure: Creating Your First Database A Microsoft Showcase video that walks through the three steps to create a SQL Azure database and provision a simple database.
Interacting with a SQL Azure Database The next video after "Your First SQL Azure Database". A Microsoft Showcase video where you learn learn how to provision your database with tables and basic queries using TSQL and additional tools including Visual Studio Web Developer Express and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
Getting Started with SQL Azure Development A very helpful article by Lynn Langit, SoCalDevGal, with a video included.
How to Install an Adventure works LT database on SQL Azure by Paras Doshi A step by step guide to install an Adventure Works LT database (AWLT DB) on SQL Azure. This sample database is very helful when you want to try out SQL Azure.
SQL Azure Developers Getting Started Page A great place to find introductory information about SQL Azure.
Learn SQL Azure The Developer's Learn SQL Azure page is loaded with helpful links.
SQLAzure - My First Cloud Eli Weinstock-Herman shares his first SQL Azure Database development experience on the LessThanDot website.
Cloud Computing Confusion 5 characteristics, 3 service models, and 4 deployment models: No wonder it's confusing! A WindowsITPro article by Sean Deuby.
Getting Started with SQL Azure using the Windows Azure Platform Management Portal A very beneficial TechNet Wiki article by Wesley McSwain and Selcin Turkarslan with plenty of screenshots that walks you through the process of creating a Windows Azure Platform Subscription for SQL Azure, creating a SQL Azure Server for your database, setting up the Firewall rules, and creating a new database.
Understanding the SQL Azure Editions, Subscriptions Types and Pricing This article will help you make better informed decisions about which SQL Azure edition and subscription type will be best for you.
Accounts and Billing in SQL Azure Covers the SQL Azure Editions, billing, buying a SQL Azure subscription, Bandwidth usage, limiting the size of databases, and viewing your bill and usage charges.
SQL Azure Billing Numbers Directly From Transact-SQL A TechNet Wiki article by Wayne Walter Berry.
Guidelines for Connecting to SQL Azure Database Important information about connecting to SQL Azure databases.
SQL Azure Connectivity Troubleshooting Guide Help with some common problems connecting to SQL Azure databases.
SQL Azure Demos A series of fifteen videos hosted on Microsoft Showcase about the basics of SQL Azure. A CodePlex Project.
SQL Azure Architecture An informative look at the architecture of SQL Azure by MVP Dhananjay Kumar.
SQL Azure Demos CodePlex Project A 15 video series demonstrating the basics of working with SQL Azure.
March Madness-SQL Azure-sys.database_usage Determine what your SQL Azure Databases are costing you based upon the size of the database by using the sys.database_usage View.
March Madness-SQL Azure-sys.bandwidth_usage How to use the sys.bandwidth_usage View to determine the exact cost of bandwith usage per database, per day for moving data in and out of your databases.
Migrating Databases to SQL Azure Various options available to migrate databases to SQL Azure.
Download the Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant for Access 5.2 The SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) is a free supported tool from Microsoft that simplifies database migration process from Access to SQL Server. SSMA for Access automates conversion of Microsoft Access database objects to SQL Server database objects, loads the objects into SQL Server, and then migrates data from Microsoft Access to SQL Server. SSMA for Access v5.2 is designed to support migration from Microsoft Access 97 and higher to all editions of SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2012, and SQL Azure.
Access to SQL Azure Migration: Understanding SSMA Project Settings Learn to use the project options available in the SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) for Microsoft Access. The SSMA also migrates Access to SQL Azure.
Access to SQL Server Migration: How to Use SSMA A walkthrough showing you how to migrate an Access database to SQL Server using the Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant for Access (SSMA).
Access to SQL Server Migration: Understanding the Assessment Report and Error List How the SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) Assessment Report and Error List can help you to identify potential issues that you may need to deal with for migrating an Access database to SQL Server or SQL Azure.
Migrating Access Jet Databases to SQL Azure Describes how to use the Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant for Access 4.2 (SSMA) to convert your Jet database for your Microsoft Access solution to SQL Azure. You can also use the SSMA to migrate your Access database to SQL Azure.
Migration to SQL Azure–Screencast Lynn Langit, SoCalDevGal, uses videos to demonstrate the various ways to migrate databases to SQL Azure.
Interacting with a SQL Azure Database A Microsoft Showcase video where you learn how to provision your database with tables and basic queries using TSQL and additional tools including Visual Studio Web Developer Express and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
Migration Week Part I of II: Access Migration Video Learn to use the free SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) for Access to migrate data to SQL Azure.
Auto generate link table when migrating access database using SSMA How to use the SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) for Access to create a link table for every table it moves to SQL Azure or to SQL Server.
Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) Team Blog Migrate your data from Access or a number of different database platforms to SQL Azure.
Access to SQL Azure Migration Wizard and more Slidecasts and Videos: SQL Azure Migration Wizard, Access to SQL Azure Migration Wizard, SQL Server Management Studio 2008 R2-scripting, DACPAC, Business Intelligence Development Studio-SSIS, and Visual Studio 2010-DACPAC by Lynn Langit, SoCalDevGal.
Moving Access Data to the Cloud A TechNet Wiki article by Wayne Walter Berry that walks through using the SQL Server Migration Assistant v4.2 to migrate Access tables and queries to SQL Azure.
Migrating Microsoft Access Applications to SQL Azure Learn how to use the SQL Server Migration Assistant for Access. A Microsoft Showcase video.
Access to SQL Server Migration: Access Solutions using SQL Server, Part 1 Learn about your options for using Microsoft Access as a front end to SQL Azure or SQL Server.
Access to SQL Server Migration: Access Solutions using SQL Server, Part 2 Learn about Moving Data, Using Views, Stored procedures and triggers, Optimizing forms using client-side caching and query-by-form techniques, Optimizing reports using pass-through queries, Using SQL Server TVPs from Access, and Additional Resources and References.
SQL Azure Migration Wizard CodePlex Project Description: The SQL Azure Migration Wizard (SQLAzureMW) is designed to help you migrate your SQL Server 2005/2008/2012 databases to SQL Azure. SQLAzureMW will analyze your source database for compatibility issues and allow you to fully or partially migrate your database schema and data to SQL Azure.
Migrating TSQL file and SQL server 2005 / 2008 Database to SQL Azure using SQL Azure Migration wizard << Paras Doshi How to use the SQL Azure Migration Wizard to migrate an on premise SQL server database to SQL Azure.
Screen Cast: SQL Azure Migration Wizard (Part 1): SQL Azure - What is it? Part 1: Dave Bost and George Huey discuss what SQL Azure is and where you might want to use it.
Screen Cast: SQL Azure Migration Wizard Part 2: How to migrate your SQL Server database to the SQL Azure cloud by Dave Bost and George Huey using the SQL Azure Migration Wizard.
SQL Azure Labs - Microsoft Codename "SQL Azure Compatibility Assessment" "SQL Azure Compatibility Assessment" is an experimental cloud service to help migrate on premisis SQL Server databases to SQL Azure.
Developing and Deploying with SQL Azure A TechNet Wiki article with guidelines on how to deploy an existing on-premise SQL Server database into SQL Azure and guidelines around best practices during data migration.
Migration Week Part II of II: On Premises Migration Video A step-by-step Walkthrough on how to migrate an existing on-premises SQL Server Database to SQL Azure.
DacImportExportCli: Import / Export Data from SQL Azure to SQL Server (vice versa) How to use the SQL Azure Database Import / Export v 2.0 is a command line interface to create DacPac for importing / exporting data from SQL Azure to SQL Server and vice versa.
How to: Migrate a Database by Using the Generate Scripts Wizard (SQL Azure Database) Learn how to Generate Scripts to migrate a SQL Server database to SQL Azure.
Migrating a SQL Server Database to SQL Azure Learn how to Generate Scripts to migrate the schema and then the data using SQL Server Script Generation Wizard. A Microsoft Showcase video.
How to: Migrate a Database by Using the Generate Scripts Wizard (SQL Azure Database) Learn how to migrate a local SQL Server database to SQL Azure by using the Generate Scripts Wizard to produce Transact-SQL scripts.
Using the Generate and Publish Scripts Wizard Learn how to use the Generate and Publish Scripts Wizard to transfer schema and/or data to SQL Azure or SQL Server.
Generate a Database Script for SQL Azure Learn how to generate a script to build a SQL Azure database using an existing SQL Server database. From the "Journey to SQL Authority with Pinal Dave" blog.
Migrating SQL server Data to SQL Azure using BCP << Paras Doshi How to use the Bulk Copy Program (BCP) command line utility to migrate data to SQL Azure from SQL Server.
Different Options to Migrate Existing SQL Database to Cloud A brief overview of three options for Migrating a database from SQL Server to SQL Azure. An article by Karthikeyan Anbarasan.
Migrating On-Premises SQL Server Database to SQL Azure Cloud–Option 1 How to use the SQL Server 2005 Management Studio Generate Script Wizard to migrate the Schema for a local SQL Server 2005 on-premises database to SQL Azure. A Walkthrough by Karthikeyan Anbarasan.
Migrating On-Premises SQL Server Database to SQL Azure Cloud–Option 2 How to use the SQL Server Migration Wizard v3.7.1 to migrate a local SQL Server 2005 on-premises database to SQL Azure. A Walkthrough by Karthikeyan Anbarasan.
How to use SQL server Integration services (SSIS) to migrate data from SQL server to SQL Azure << Paras Doshi How to use SSIS to migrate data from a table in a local SQL Server database to a SQL Azure database.
Microsoft Codename "Trust Services" A new application-level encryption framework that can be used to encrypt sensitive data and store it in SQL Azure.
Microsoft Codename "Trust Services" Part 1 Video: Microsoft Codename Trust Services Overview Part 1.
Microsoft Codename "Trust Services" Part 2 Video: Microsoft Codename Trust Services Overview Part 2.
Building Safer SQL Azure Cloud Applications with Microsoft Access Examines the security risks of using DSNs, Linked Tables, and saved Pass-through queries and demonstrates how to safely manage data from SQL Azure using Access. By Patrick Wood.
How to Use Microsoft Access to Create Logins in a SQL Azure Database Learn how to use a Pass-through query with Access code to create a Login in a SQL Azure Database. You can then use that login in your Access Database can use to manage permissions and data in SQL Azure. By Patrick Wood.
Strong Password Generator This web page instantly creates strong Passwords you can use with SQL Azure and SQL Server. You can set the Password length and bit strength per character format to adjust the Password strength.
How to Create SQL Azure Database Users With Microsoft Access VBA Learn how to create SQL Azure Database Users which are necessary for your Access databases to work with SQL Azure. SQL Azure Database Users make it possible for you to manage permissions for your Access databases and users. By Patrick Wood.
How to Use Microsoft Access to Manage SQL Azure Database Users and Roles Learn how to create SQL Azure Database Roles and add Users to the Roles. This will enable you to control with precision which users have access to the objects in SQL Azure by using SQL Azure Permissions. By Patrick Wood.
How to create users with limited access in SQL Azure? How to manage SQL Azure Logins and Database Users and limit their access to SQL Azure objects.
SQL Azure Connection Security A comprehensive TechNet Wiki article covering SQL Azure connection security information with an abundance of helpful links.
SQL Azure Security Overview An overview of SQL Azure Security.
SQL Azure Connection Encryption A TechNet Wiki article showing how to encrypt connections to SQL Azure using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
SQL Azure Firewall How to use the SQL Azure Firewall to secure your SQL Azure Databases. A TechNet Wiki article.
How to: Configure the SQL Azure Firewall How to use the Windows Azure Platform Management Portal or master database to review and edit your firewall configuration.
Overview of Security in SQL Azure This article by Wayne Walter Berry and Selcin Turkarslan discusses the subjects of the SQL Azure Firewall, SQL Authentication for Logins and Users, connection encryption, and encryption of your data.
SQL Azure SQL Authentication This TechNet Wiki article briefly discusses using SQL Authentication, the master database, creating logins, creating users, configuring user permissions, and deleting users and logins.
SQL Azure: Securing SQL Azure How to create and secure a SQL Azure Database. A TechNet Magazine article.
Securing SQL Azure A walkthrough video demonstrating how to secure SQL Azure using the Windows Azure developer portal. A Microsoft Showcase Video.
Securing SQL Azure A Microsoft Showcase Video walkthrough that helps you understand the basics in creating a secure SQL Azure installation. The video demonstrates how to secure SQL Azure using the Windows Azure developer portal. Transact-SQL scripts for this demonstration are available to download.
How Do I: Configure SQL Azure Security? A TechNet video by Max Adams introducing security within SQL Azure.
SQL Azure Security Guidelines and Limitations Incudes information about SQL Azure Firewalls, Encryption and Certificate Validation, Authentication, Logins and Users, and Best Practices.
SQL Azure Delivery Guide The SQL Azure Delivery Guide provides developers with the information they need to know to get started designing and delivering applications that use the SQL Azure database.
Guidelines and Limitations (SQL Azure Database) Guidelines and limitations that are important to consider when using Microsoft SQL Azure Database.
Administration (SQL Azure Database) Information about administering Microsoft SQL Azure Database including Firewalls, Logins, Migrating Databases, Copying Databases, Monitoring Databases, Troubleshooting, and How-To-Topics.
Windows Azure Developer Center Links and information to help develop applications for Windows Azure.
Development (SQL Azure Database) Information about general considerations and recommended coding practices, Transact-SQL support in SQL Azure Database, supported tools and utilities, and a list of How-To topics.
SQL Azure: Indexes are very helpful but they cost $Money$ Learn how to list the size of all SQL Azure Indexes in a database. This can help save you money because the cost of a SQL Azure database is size driven.
SQL Azure Troubleshooting and Support The Microsoft MSDN Developer's SQL Azure Support page provides links to troubleshooting and support information for Microsoft SQL Azure developers.
Administration: How-to Topics (SQL Azure Database) How to perform a number of common SQL Azure Administration tasks.
Inside SQL Azure An excellent article by Kalen Delaney describing the underlying architecture of Microsoft SQL Azure that explains why SQL Azure is far more than just a hosted database on a server.
Why Do I Need a Clustered Index? This article explains why SQL Azure requires clustered indexes for replication technology.
SQL Azure Management Portal Changes–Drop SQL Azure Server How to Drop a SQL Azure Server using the SQL Azure Management Portal.
How to create Co-Administrator for SQL Azure Server How to add a Co-Administrator for your SQL Azure Server subscription.
Overview of Subscription Management in the Windows Azure Platform Management Portal An overview of the basics of Windows Azure subscriptions and describes how a technical staff can manage co-administrators, storage accounts, affinity groups, and management certificates for their own subscriptions in the Windows Azure Platform Management Portal.
Importance of Affinity Groups in Windows Azure Affinity Groups is a way to group your Compute and Storage services together in the same data center close to one another to obtain optimal performance, increasing speed, reducing latency, and lowering your costs.
How to Create an Affinity Group in Windows Azure How to create an affinity group, which can be used to direct Windows Azure storage accounts and hosted services to the same geographical grouping within a specified region.
About the Service Management API The Service Management API provides programmatic access to much of the functionality available through the Management Portal. Using the Service Management API, you can manage your storage accounts and hosted services, your service deployments, and your affinity groups.
T-SQL for SQL Azure, Supported and Unsupported
Supported Transact-SQL Statements (SQL Azure Database) A list of Transact-SQL statements that are supported by Microsoft SQL Azure.
Partially Supported Transact-SQL Statements (SQL Azure Database) A list of partially supported Transact-SQL statements, arguments and options by SQL Azure.
Unsupported Transact-SQL Statements (SQL Azure Database) A list of the Transact-SQL statements that SQL Azure does not support.
Transact-SQL Reference (SQL Azure Database) Information describing the Transact-SQL grammar support provided by SQL Azure Database.
SQL Azure Logins, Database Users, and Database Roles
Managing Databases and Logins in SQL Azure An introduction to SQL Azure Logins, Database Users, Database Permissions, and Security.
How to Add Users to Your SQL Azure Database An article by Wayne Walter Berry.
How to Manage SQL Azure Databases and Logins Creating Logins and Database Users and adding them to Server or Database Roles.
How to Create Logins in SQL Azure How to create Logins using T-SQL or Microsoft Access Passthrough queries and VBA code.
How to Create Database Users in SQL Azure How to create Database Users using T-SQL or Microsoft Access Passthrough queries and VBA code.
Resetting SQL Azure Database Administrator Credentials How to reset a SQL Azure Database Administrator password using the SQL Azure Portal. A Walkthrough by Karthikeyan Anbarasan.
Creating Co-administrator’s for managing SQL Azure databases and servers through Azure management portal << Paras Doshi How to add a co-administrator that can manage a SQL Azure server and database using the Azure management portal.
How to create Co-Administrator for SQL Azure Server How to add a SQL Azure Co-Administrator which was released in the July 2011 Service Release.
Using the SQL Azure Portal
SQL Azure Management Portal A Microsoft Showcase video covering the latest features and improvements to the SQL Azure Portal.
Drop a Database in SQL Azure Portal How to use the SQL Azure Portal to Drop a Database. A Walkthrough by Karthikeyan Anbarasan.
Import Scripts in Azure portal How to use the SQL Azure Portal to Import Scripts. A Walkthrough by Karthikeyan Anbarasan.
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
How to Connect SQL Server 2008 management studio to SQL Azure A walkthrough by MVP Dhananjay Kumar.
Connect to SQL Azure using SQL Server Management Studio A walkthrough by Karthikeyan Anbarasan.
Optimizing SQL Azure
Troubleshooting and Optimizing Queries with SQL Azure How to use newly available Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) to improve SQL Azure performance and troubleshoot performance issues.
Monitoring SQL Azure Using Dynamic Management Views How to detect common performance problems by using the dynamic management views in SQL Azure Database.
Gaining Performance Insight into SQL Azure A TechNet article showing how to get information about query performance in SQL Azure using SQL Server Management Studio.
SQL Azure Performance and Elasticity Guide A TechNet article with an abundance of information about how to optimize performance of an application developed to use SQL Azure.
New Features for SQL Azure
Announcing Reduced Pricing on SQL Azure and New 100MB Database Option The new lower prices include 48% to 75% savings for databases larger than 1GB. The 100MB DB option enables customers to get started using SQL Azure at half of the previous price, while still providing the full range of features including: high availability, fault tolerance, self-management, elastic scale-out, on-premises connectivity, and full Service Level Agreement.
What's New in SQL Azure (SQL Azure Database) SQL Azure Database November 2011 release new features include:
Tools and Utilities for SQL Azure
Tools and Utilities Support (SQL Azure Database) A variety of tools and utilities can be used with Microsoft SQL Azure Database from the Windows Azure Platform site.
Tools and Utilities Support (SQL Azure Database) A list of links to tools and utilities that can be used with SQL Azure from the MSDN Library.
Enzo Backup for SQL Azure Enzo Backup enables you to backup a SQL Azure database and restore the backup to other SQL Azure databases or an on premise SQL Server databases. You can also schedule backup jobs. Developed by Herve Roggero, Microsoft SQL Azure MVP (Most Valuable Professional) and co-author of Pro SQL Azure from APress.
CSS SQL Azure Diagnostics Tool Install and Launch Page A CSS SQL Azure Diagnostics (CSAD) tool developed by Evan Basalik. Produces a report which contains a summary of the essential performance data of a SQL Azure database. The report can be printed or saved as an Excel, PDF, or Word file.
SQL Server and SQL Azure Performance Testing: Enzo SQL Baseline The Enzo SQL Baseline Tool allows you to execute performance tests against multiple databases and view the collected performance results side-by-side, within the tool or in Excel for further analysis. A CodePlex Project.
SQL Azure Agent CodePlex Project Demonstrates how you can achieve SQL Server Agent like functionality for Sql Azure.
SQL Azure and Stored Procedures
SQL Server Stored Procedure Guide for Microsoft Access – Part 1 How to use Pass-through queries in Access to run Stored-Procedures in SQL Server which also works for Sql Azure.
SQL Azure Development Examples and Articles
Developer Connection This site has an outstanding series on Migrating and Deploying a Simple Cloud App as well as other Azure development posts.
IT Pro Connection This blog is associated with the Developer Connection blog and has a similar cloud series on Deploying a Simple Cloud App
SQL Azure Connection Management Understanding SQL Azure connection problems and how to solve them. A TechNet Wiki article.
Retry Logic for Transient Failures in SQL Azure How to solve transient connection failures in SQL Azure. A TechNet Wiki article.
Best Practices for Handling Transient Conditions in SQL Azure Client Applications A Customer Advisory Team article.
Video Studio LightSwitch and SQL Azure: Creating Line of Business Applications with SQL Azure This walkthrough explains how you can easily create line of business (LOB) applications for the cloud with little or no code, by using Visual Studio LightSwitch and SQL Azure. See how to build an expense application, and how to deploy it by using the Windows Azure Platform Management Portal.
SQL Database Federations: Enhancing SQL to enable Data Sharding for Scalability in the Cloud SQL Database Federations, a new specification, has been released for SQL Server and SQL Azure via the SQL Azure Federation.
Federations in SQL Azure (SQL Azure Database) An overview of SQL Azure Federations from the MSDN Library.
Build Big-Data Apps in SQL Azure with Federation A Visual Studio Magazine Article by Roger Jennings.
SQL Azure Management Portal Near the end of the Video how to use the SQL Azure Management Portal to manage Federations is covered.
Building Scale-Out Database Solutions on SQL Azure A PDC 2010 video by Lev Novik detailing modern scalable application design techniques such as sharding and horizontal partitioning and future enhancements to SQL Azure Databases.
How to Shard with SQL Azure A TechNet Wiki article that provides an overview of sharding with SQL Azure, covering challenges that would be experienced today, as well as how these can be addressed with features to be provided in the upcoming releases of SQL Azure.
Multi-tenant SQL Azure Federations Sample Download a CodePlex Open Source sample application demonstrating the use of SQL Azure Federations in a multi-tenant solution named the Cloud Ninja SQL Federations Sample Preview.
Preparing for Data Federation in SQL Azure Herve Roggero shares what he has learned from an early preview of SQL Azure Data Federations to help you prepare for an upcoming release of SQL Azure that will support Data Federation.
SQL Server and SQL Azure Shard Library CodePlex Project A couple of SQL Shard Libraries that allow you to spread the load of database queries over multiple databases.
Sharding with SQL Azure Learn how Database sharding enables your applications to scale-out. A TechNet Wiki Article
SQL Azure Federations: How to Build Large-Scale Database Solutions with SQL Azure Introduction to SQL Azure Federations which enable the scaling-out of database applications.
Building Scalable Database Solution with SQL Azure - Introducing Federation in SQL Azure Learn about the benefits of SQL Azure Federation.
SQL Azure Federations: Robust Connectivity Model for Federated Data Learn about connectivity enhancements that come with SQL Azure Federations.
The "NoSQL" Gene in SQL Azure Federations Learn how Federation brings the benefits of the NoSQL model into SQL Azure.
Moving to Multi-Tenant Database Model Made Easy with SQL Azure Federations. How SQL Azure Federations uses filtering connections to enable moving from a single-tenant-per-database model to a fully dynamic multi-tenant database model.
Federation Repartitioning Operations: Database SPLIT in Action How the SPLIT command enables your application to scale out or scale down SQL Azure databases.
Current Options for Backing up Data with SQL Azure SQL Azure options for security against hardware failure and protection against user error.
How to: Export a Data-tier Application SQL Azure) A data-tier application (DAC) export copies the object definitions from a SQL Azure database to a DAC export (BACPAC) file, and then bulk copies the data from the user tables to the export file. You can use the DAC export and import operations to copy databases between SQL Azure servers, or to migrate databases between the SQL Server Database Engine and SQL Azure.
How to: Import a Data-tier Application (SQL Azure) You can use the DAC export and import operations to copy databases between SQL Azure servers, or to migrate databases between the SQL Server Database Engine and SQL Azure.
How to Create a Storage Account for a Windows Azure Subscription When you Export a DAC export file (BACPAC) from SQL Azure it must be stored in the Blob service of the Windows Azure Storage Service. This article gives instructions on how to create a storage account.
How to: View DAC Export and Import Status (SQL Azure) You can use the Import Export Request Status window to track the progress of long-running data-tier application (DAC) export and import operations on SQL Azure servers. The window also reports the success or failure of completed operations.
Azure Storage Explorer Azure Storage Explorer is a useful GUI tool for inspecting and altering the data in your Windows Azure Storage storage projects including the logs of your cloud-hosted applications. All 3 types of cloud storage can be viewed and edited: blobs, queues, and tables. It is a CodePlex Open Source Community Project.
Automating SQL Azure Backup Using Worker Role A CodePlex Open Source Community Project. This tool is used for backup functionality on SQL Azure database and tables in a periodical timeline. The code can deployed as a Worker role with Azure or on-premise environment and the backup file can stored to blob storage or to file system.
Making Copies of SQL Azure Databases
How to: Back Up Your Database (SQL Azure) How to make a copy your SQL Azure database. A MSDN article.
Copying Databases in SQL Azure Learn the quickest and easiest way to make an exact copy your SQL Azure database to another SQL Azure Database. This is very useful for data security and safe development on a copy of the database.
How to: Copy Your Database to a Different Server (SQL Azure) Make a copy of your SQL Azure database on a different Server and learn about the changes you have make to use the Database. A MSDN article.
Enzo Backup
My Experiments with "Enzo backup for SQL Azure (Beta)" – an one of it’s kind Tool for SQL Azure Backups Paras Doshi walks us through his experience using Enzo Backup to make a backup of a SQL Azure database and restore a copy of the database from the backup.
Using Powershell to Backup and Restore SQL Azure Databases
Automating SQL Azure backup to On premise Disks using a SQL Azure management cmdlet How to automate SQL Azure backups to an on premise location using a SQL Azure Powershell cmdlet.
SQL Azure Backup to Windows Azure blobs using Azure management cmdlet (Powershell) How to backup a SQL Azure Database to Azure blobs.
Data Sync
Overview of SQL Azure Data Sync SQL Azure Data Sync enables you to easily create and schedule bi-directional synchronizations from within the Data Sync web site without the need to write a single line of code.
What’s New in SQL Azure Data Sync Preview? Learn about the April 2, 2012 Service Update to SQL Azure Data Sync.
SQL Azure Data Sync Agent Preview Download Page This download is for the on-premises Data Sync Agent that works in conjunction with the SQL Azure Data Sync service. It enables on-premises SQL Server data to be synchronized with SQL Azure databases.
An introduction and demonstration of SQL Azure Data Sync In this Microsoft Showcase video Mark Scurrell Gives a Demonstration of SQL Azure Data Sync.
About SQL Azure Data Sync Data Sync provides an intuitive UI with optional tutorials that guide you through the process of creating database groupings (sync groups) that are synchronized together.
Work with Sync Groups A Sync Group is two or more databases that are logically grouped together for the purpose of synchronization.
Sync Team Blog Covering SQL Azure Data Sync and Microsoft Sync Framework.
Microsoft Sync Framework Developer Center Information, resources, downloads, code samples, blogs, and more about the Microsoft Sync Framework.
Microsoft Sync Framework - A TechNet Wiki Article Links to Community Resources and Sync Framework Wiki Pages.
SQL Azure Data Sync How To Upgrade SQL Azure Data Sync Preview is not backwardly compatable with the CTP2 version. This article covers how to move from the CTP2 version of SQL Azure Data Sync to the Preview version.
Synchronize and Share Data This Microsoft Showcase Video walkthrough by Steve Yi shows how to use SQL Azure Data Sync to provide bi-directional synchronization and data-management capabilities with on-premises and cloud databases.
SQL Azure Data Sync Scenario - SQL Azure-to-SQL Azure Synchronization Create and schedule regular synchronizations between two SQL Azure databases.
SQL Azure Data Sync Scenario - SQL Azure-to-SQL Server Synchronization Create and schedule regular synchronizations between SQL Server and SQL Azure databases to distribute data from a SQL Azure database out to one or more SQL Server databases, such as those in field offices.
SQL Azure Data Sync - Create a Sync Group How to create a synchronization group of two or more databases that are logically grouped together for the purpose of synchronizing specified tables, columns and rows common to each.
Sync Framework - SQL Server to SQL Azure Synchronization How to use the 2.1 version of the Sync Framework to write a console application to synchronize SQL Azure with on-premises SQL Servers. A TechNet Wiki Article.
Microsoft SQL Azure Team Blog Posts The latest news and information about SQL Azure from Microsoft.
Windows Azure Team Blog The latest news and information about Windows Azure from Microsoft.
The #SQLAzure Daily Selected articles about SQL Azure plus News and links from Twitter and Facebook.
ParasDoshi.com's #SQLAzure Daily An outstanding source of news and articles about SQL Azure and cloud computing including a Twitter feed.
Latest SQL Azure and Access News My latest SQL Azure and Access news page. Keep informed of the most important news about SQL Azure and Access.
The #Cloud Daily Selected articles about cloud computing plus links from Twitter and Facebook.
Roger Jenning's Windows Azure and Cloud Computing Posts An excellent source of information and the latest news.
Roger Jenning's Access Blog Keep up to date with material from the most important blogs, articles, and news about Microsoft Access.
What is New in SQL Server azure Keep up with the latest SQL Azure features and when they were released with links.
Contagious Curiosity An excellent blog by Lynn Langit, SoCalDevGal. She encourages girls and women to become developers and her post and videos on Migration to SQL Azure–Screencast is excellent.
Roger Jenning's Windows Azure and Cloud Computing Posts One of the best Cloud Developer sites on the web. A compendium of Windows Azure, Windows Azure Platform Appliance, SQL Azure Database, AppFabric and other cloud-computing articles.
Software MechaniK An blog with posts about Microsoft Access, Excel, and SQL Azure.
SQL Azure - Your Data in the Cloud An MSDN blog by Cihan Biyikoglu.
Paras Doshi's blog on (SQL) Azure! An award winning blog about SQL Azure.
DEBUG MODE...... An excellent blog by MVP Dhananjay Kumar with many helpufl articles about SQL Azure.
SQLXpertise A blog about SQL Azure, SQL Server, .Net and more.
Join Sights–Johan Åhlén A blog about SQL Azure, SQL Server, Analysis Services, Best Practices, Business Intelligence, and more.
Debugging the Technology!!! Karthikeyan Anbarasan's blog about Microsoft Technologies Articles and Tutorials covering SQL Server, SQL Azure, and Windows Azure.
LINQ with SQL Azure A video by Dhananjay Kumar showing how to use LINQ with SQL Azure using the SQL Azure Portal and Microsoft Visual Studio 2010.
SQL Server Books Online Microsoft's official comprehensive documentation of SQL Server. The most complete source of information about SQL Server on the internet.
SQL Server TechCenter SQL Server news, videos, blogs, troubleshooting, forums, downloads, and the SQL Server Community.
SQL Server Online Resources MSDN SQL Server Home page for Developers contains a wealth of resources.
Support for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, 2008, 2005, and 2000 Microsoft SQL Server Links for Key Resources, Downloads, Upgrade and Migration, Tools, PowerPivot and BI, Community, Support Options, and Support Lifecycle.
Access to SQL Server Migration: Access Solutions using SQL Server, Part 1 Discusses your options for continuing to use Access as a front-end client once you have migrated the data to SQL Server.
Access to SQL Server Migration: Access Solutions using SQL Server, Part 2 Continues the discussion about options for continuing to use Access as a front-end client once you have migrated the data to SQL Server.
SQL Server Magazine A high quality online magazine.
SQLblog.com A site with a number of great blogs.
SQLServerCentral.com An outstanding site with many excellent articles and blogs.
Simple-Talk SQL Home An excellent site with a number of categores: Learn SQL Server, Database Administration, T-SQL Programming, Performance, Backup and Recovery, SQL Tools, SSIS, and Reporting Services.
Microsoft SQL Server Express WebLog The official Microsoft SQL Server Express WebLog.
What does this Express Edition look like, anyhow? How to install the SQL Server Express edition with SQL Server Management Studio and other tools and services.
I am very honored to receive the Microsoft Access MVP award!
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