Why use SQL Server on Fabric?

[luisr-optimus]

I would like to understand more about the advantages of using SQL Server on Fabric instead of using the SQL Server options provided by Azure.

Does Microsoft intend to migrate its SQL Server services to Microsoft Fabric?

[doug_sheehan]

does using Fabric SQL Database have an additional capacity cost for using it? I thought SQL Azure was pretty affordable, but the cost of services does not translate directly to Capacity pricing in Fabric. (I'm new. I could be wrong)

[PunChili]

Dear all,

I am also curious which purpose a sql server in fabric can bring. You can do all analysis from lakehouses/warehouses in fabric, also on transactional data. Looking in performance, and the usage of files and sql tables - feels like going back in time. Do some of you have examples for other sources or applications? Will be happy about it. Thank you!

[lbendlin]

I think it has to do with the new buzzword "translytical".  Fabric SQL databases want to give you the impression that they can be used for production (transactional) data, not  just for reporting (analytical) purposes.

[pallavi_r]

Hi @PunChili 

Yes as @lbendlin has mentioned, it's like earlier our focus was on set of data for analytical purpose, now we want to be close to operational/transactional data as well. We can derive the insight of operational data with as conveniently as for analytical data being hosted in the same platform i.e MS Fabric.

Thanks,

Pallavi

[v-sgandrathi · Accepted solution]

Hi @luisr-optimus,
Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Fabric Community forum.

SQL Server on Microsoft Fabric integrates data from SQL databases and other sources into one platform, ideal for businesses analyzing data across systems. Unlike Azure SQL, which focuses on cloud database management, SQL Server on Fabric works seamlessly with other Fabric tools for simplified workflows and advanced analytics.

Fabric’s unified data lake enables SQL Server to query large unstructured and relational datasets without data duplication, streamlining workflows. SQL Server is essential in Fabric's Lakehouse model, which integrates data lakes and warehouses, reducing complexity and costs.

Microsoft Fabric offers valuable features for organizations seeking a unified data and analytics solution.

Here's the relevant documentation from Microsoft Learn you can refer to:

Fabric decision guide - choose an operational database - Microsoft Fabric | Microsoft Learn
Features comparison: Azure SQL Database and SQL database (preview) - Microsoft Fabric | Microsoft Le...
SQL database Overview (Preview) - Microsoft Fabric | Microsoft Learn

If this post clears your doubt, please give us Kudos and consider marking Accepting it as a solution to guide other members in finding it more easily.

Best regards,
Sahasra.

[v-sgandrathi]

Hi @luisr-optimus,

Following up to check whether you got a chance to review the suggestions given. If the issue still persists please let us know. Glad to help. 

If my response has addressed your query, please accept it as a solution and give a ‘Kudos’ so other members can easily find it. 

Thankyou for being a part of Microsoft Fabric Community.

[nitinmehta2879]

Although there are below differences between azure sql and sql server on Fabric, but the main reason to use sql server on Fabric is to bring data from sql and join it with data from other sources and bring it in one platform and then use it for analytics. 

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/database/sql/feature-comparison-sql-database-fabric

[pallavi_r]

Hi @luisr-optimus ,

Previously all focus was on analytical solutions. Now Sql server in MS Fabric is brought to drive insights from application, operational and transactional database. Now MS Fabric is capable of handling both transactional and analytical data warehouse.

And major advantage is with SQL server in place we can join data from multiple data sources, build relational queries nicely and drive analytics.

If this post helps, please accept as solution. Kudos are appreciated.🙂

Thanks,

Pallavi