Azure SQL Managed Instance is a cloud-based database service provided by Microsoft Azure that offers a fully managed SQL Server database engine. It allows users to migrate their SQL Server workloads to the cloud without the need to rearchitect their applications. Azure SQL Managed Instance combines the best aspects of SQL Server with the benefits of a fully managed platform as a service (PaaS).
Azure SQL Managed Instance falls under the category of SQL Database as a Service, which refers to cloud-based database services that provide a managed environment for running SQL databases. With Azure SQL Managed Instance, users can benefit from features such as automated patching, backup, high availability, and security. It enables organizations to focus more on their applications and data rather than managing the underlying infrastructure.
Azure SQL Managed Instance was introduced by Microsoft in 2018. Microsoft's motivation behind launching Azure SQL Managed Instance was to provide customers with a seamless path to migrate their on-premises SQL Server databases to the cloud. This offering aimed to address the growing demand for a fully managed SQL Server service in the cloud while retaining compatibility with existing SQL Server features and tools.
Currently, Azure SQL Managed Instance holds a significant market share within the SQL Database as a Service category. As organizations continue to embrace cloud technologies and seek more efficient ways to manage their databases, the demand for managed database services like Azure SQL Managed Instance is expected to grow. With Microsoft's ongoing investment in enhancing the capabilities and performance of Azure SQL Managed Instance, it is likely to see further growth in market share in the future.
