Azure SQL Database – Contained user Model

I always follow a contained user model when setting up users within my Azure SQL Database. I do this so the user in question has access to only specific database(s) and does not have a login to the server. It becomes even more apparent the importance of this when you design a solution based on failover groups.

When a failover occurs to the secondary, I want a pleasant experience for the user. With the contained user model, the user goes with the database. I don’t want to do admin work on the new primary (post failover). Let’s see.

Continue reading

Azure SQL Database Gen4 to Gen 5

For the past year Microsoft have said that Generation 4 hardware is soon coming to its end of life. I know many installations that have used Generation 4 over 5 so its time to think of the plan to facilitate this move.

Continue reading

Azure SQL DB – Troubleshooting CPU issues

When you have the need to find out real time what is causing high CPU issues within your Azure SQL Database, there is nothing better than using TSQL and SSMS. Azure portal will highlight the below, this is when I made CPU contention.

Continue reading

Azure SQL Database and Long-Term Backups

There is a new (ish) interface to looking and configuring backups for your Azure SQL Database. This can be found within the settings section of the SQL Server.

As you can see, by default we have 7 days retention to allow for PITR – Point In Time Recovery, anything longer you will need to setup long term retention.

Continue reading