Ditch Azure SQL Database? 8 Alternatives for Startups & Growing Businesses

Microsoft Azure SQL Database is a solid choice for some, but is it really the best fit for your startup or growing business? Maybe not. Many companies need more flexible, cost-effective, or developer-friendly solutions. This article explores eight compelling Microsoft Azure SQL Database alternatives that could be a better match for your specific needs, helping you simplify database management and focus on building amazing applications.

Why Consider an Azure SQL Database Alternative?

Self-managed databases offer maximum control, but drain valuable time on maintenance. While Azure SQL Database, launched in 2010, automated some tasks, you might still need:

• Simpler pricing: Avoid complex billing models and hidden costs.
• Better performance: Ensure your database can handle growing workloads.
• Improved developer tools: Streamline workflows and boost productivity.

How to Choose the Right Managed Database Service

Selecting the right managed database service involves more than just comparing prices. It's about finding a solution that empowers your team to build better applications faster and more reliably. Here's what to consider:

• Performance and Reliability: Uptime track record, SLA guarantees, and database performance metrics like IOPS limits.
• Cost Structure: Transparent pricing that includes backups, monitoring, and high availability.
• Scaling Capabilities: How the platform handles both vertical and horizontal scaling without downtime.
• Backup and Recovery: Frequency, retention policies, and ability to restore to different regions or instances.
• Security Features: Encryption, network isolation, and compliance with SOC 2, HIPAA, or GDPR.
• Geographic Availability: Data center locations and support for cross-region replication for disaster recovery.
• Developer Experience: Quality of management interfaces, API documentation, and development tools.

8 Top Microsoft Azure SQL Database Alternatives

The managed database landscape is full of options. From developer-centric solutions to robust enterprise platforms, these alternatives offer powerful database management without the complexity.

1. DigitalOcean Managed Databases

DigitalOcean Managed Databases balances simplicity and power, offering a developer-friendly experience. It supports popular engines like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB with automatic updates, daily backups at no extra cost. Perfect for scaling production workloads or launching your first database-driven application, DigitalOcean lets you focus on coding, not infrastructure.

• Key Features: Global availability, automated daily backups, simple horizontal scaling, built-in monitoring, private networking, automated failover.
• Pricing: Starting at $15/month (1 vCPU, 1GB RAM), flexible sizing up to 16 vCPUs and 64GB RAM.

2. AWS RDS

Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) is a mature and reliable platform for enterprise environments. It supports multiple database engines and integrates deeply with other AWS services. A powerful managed database solution, but its complexity in configuration and pricing may not suit everyone.

• Key Features: Extensive database engine options, multi-AZ deployments, performance insights, integration with AWS security, automated backup and patching.
• Pricing: Pay-per-use model based on instance type, with additional costs for storage, backups, and data transfer.

3. Google Cloud SQL

Google Cloud SQL is a fully managed relational database service supporting MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server, seamlessly integrating with the Google Cloud ecosystem. Google Cloud SQL offers enterprise-grade security and reliability with automated operations and scaling. A solid enterprise database with a setup process that some teams may find involved compared to simpler alternatives.

• Key Features: Support for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server, automated replication and failover, automatic storage increases, integrated with Cloud IAM and VPC Service Controls.
• Pricing: Prices vary by region, high availability configurations double costs, and network egress is charged.

4. MongoDB Atlas

MongoDB Atlas is a cloud-native document database service, simplifying MongoDB usage with simple scaling and developer-friendly features like built-in search and data visualization. Whether building a modern application or migrating an existing MongoDB workload, Atlas streamlines database operations. A good pick as a managed database if you're invested in the document storage model.

• Key Features: Auto-scaling, built-in search and data visualization, multi-cloud support, performance optimization tools, integrated data lake capabilities.
• Pricing: Free tier available, shared clusters from $0.08 per hour, dedicated clusters from $57 per month.

5. Akamai Connected Cloud Databases (formerly Linode)

Akamai Connected Cloud Databases combines Linode's simplicity with Akamai's global edge network, balancing performance and pricing. This managed database hosting is ideal for teams needing reliable hosting without complicated configurations, offering improved content delivery and edge computing.

• Key Features: High-performance SSD storage, automated backups, built-in replication, global data center presence, DDoS protection.
• Pricing: MySQL and PostgreSQL clusters starting at $65/month (4GB RAM), with high-availability options.

6. Vultr Managed Databases

Vultr Managed Databases offers a simple and easy database hosting solution, focusing on performance and global availability. Managed PostgreSQL and MySQL instances are available across a global network of data centers. Vultr offers a reliable managed database service without the overwhelming features and price structure of larger cloud providers.

• Key Features: Automatic failover, daily automated backups, 25+ global locations, one-click deployment, automated patches and updates.
• Pricing: Regular performance from $15/month (1GB RAM, 1 vCPU), optimized instances from $90/month.

7. ScaleGrid

ScaleGrid provides fully managed database hosting that supports multiple cloud providers, including AWS, Azure, and DigitalOcean. This multi-cloud database management simplifies database operations while providing more control over infrastructure choices for MongoDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Redis.

• Key Features: Cross-platform database support, multi-cloud deployment options, custom machine selection, advanced monitoring tools, automated backups.
• Pricing: Varies based on cloud provider, machine type, and features selected.

8. Heroku Postgres

Heroku Postgres is a proven PostgreSQL service, trusted by developers for simplicity and integration with the Heroku platform. While primarily for Heroku users, it works well as a standalone PostgreSQL database solution for those valuing simplicity and reliable performance.

• Key Features: Automated health checks, point-in-time recovery, follower databases, data clips for sharing, built-in performance analytics.
• Pricing: Essential tier from $5/month (1GB storage), Standard tier from $50/month (64GB+ storage).

The Verdict: Simplify Your Database Management Today

Choosing the right database service is about finding a partner that simplifies your entire database management journey.

DigitalOcean Managed Databases delivers everything you need to get up and running fast with transparent pricing and dependable uptime. Focus on code, not database administration!

DigitalOcean's console and API tools help developers work efficiently, while automated backups and failover keep your data safe. Supporting PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB simplifies migration and new projects.

Plus, DigitalOcean offers a complete cloud platform – from Droplets and Spaces to App Platform – all with predictable pricing.

Ready to ditch the complexity and embrace a simpler, more powerful database experience?

• Sign up for DigitalOcean and simplify your database management.
• Migrate your workloads to DigitalOcean and cut your cloud bill by 30-50%.