What is the difference between SQL Server and SQL Azure?

SQL Server is a database/computing engine that you install on your own physical hardware. SQL Azure is a data storage and computing service that you rent.

http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/SQLAzure/products/default.aspx

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsazure/offers/default.aspx

 

 

 

Here are two important difference in my opinion

A) You cannot perform backup and Restore

 Unlike regular SQL Server database you can't perform backup and restore in SQL Azure. Noted that  SQL Azure is  highly avaialble as **cloud** computing platform so data loss is not an issue (e.g. data loss due to hardware failure etc) but sometimes user mistakes (accidental data deletion) can be an issue

b) SQL Azure does not support CLR  (Common Language Runtime or .NET programmability feaure that is avaible in other SQL editions) 

 Please refer to the following white paper

 

SQL Azure Database is a cloud-based relational database service from Microsoft. SQL Azure provides relational database functionality as a utility service. Cloud-based database solutions such as SQL Azure can provide many benefits, including rapid provisioning, cost-effective scalability, high availability, and reduced management overhead. This paper compares SQL Azure Database with SQL Server in terms of logical administration vs. physical administration, provisioning, Transact-SQL support, data storage, SSIS, along with other features and capabilities.

 

SQL Azure vs. SQL Server

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=86f12b41-1eba-4567-9ac8-02eaa7d12034&displaylang=en

• Marked as answer by Ai-hua Qiu Wednesday, October 06, 2010 8:27 AM

SQL server we can download it from the internet and install on Servers/PC while SQL Azure can not.

You can't even down trial version of the Software it is based on cloude and you need to pay to use while in SQL server you can download trial version and use it without any cost.

You don't have to worry about installation or server crash while in SQL server Yes.

Hi

I need to have a private sql azure on my hardware.Is it possible?If yes how?

Regards

I need to have a private sql azure on my hardware.Is it possible?If yes how?

I suggest you post a new question rather than adding to an old answered thread.  That will increase the likelihood of getting a timely answer.

The Windows Azure Pack provides features for implementing a private cloud, including database-as-a-service.  See http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/products/windows-azure-pack/