Amazon RDS vs. Microsoft SQL Server
As cloud infrastructures continue to expand, the demand for the best cloud database management also rises. Both Amazon RDS and Microsoft SQL Server have been at the forefront of the cloud database management competition.
Amazon RDS
Amazon RDS is a relational database service that makes it easier to manage PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, and MariaDB databases with a few clicks. It is a flexible and scalable option with great inclusion of automated backups, automatic software patching, and point-in-time restore features.
Pricing
Amazon RDS follows a pay-as-you-go pricing model which enables users to quickly adapt to changes in their database resources. The cost of using Amazon RDS primarily depends on the database engine, storage, and instance size. Amazon RDS reserved instances also offer a significant discount that can reach up to 75% on on-demand pricing in perpetuity.
Performance
The performance of Amazon RDS is dependent on the type of database engine and instance size. Amazon RDS readily provides horizontal and vertical scaling to fit the user’s needs positively. With the Multi-AZ feature, the database load balancing and high availability capabilities for disaster recoveries during downtimes are also in tandem.
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) created by Microsoft. It is known for its high-performance capabilities and robust features like data integration, security, and business intelligence tools.
Pricing
Microsoft SQL Server offers a varying range of pricing models based on the user’s use case, from the user’s database size to the features used. Users can also access both Azure SQL Database and SQL Server provisions for respective cloud and on-premises deployment.
Performance
Microsoft SQL Server gives users the freedom to choose between traditional SQL Server deployments and Microsoft Azure SQL Database. Its in-built in-memory technology also offers excellent performance with up to 30 times data compression and up to 100 times increase in query performance.
Comparison
When it comes to Amazon RDS vs. Microsoft SQL Server, it is a matter of choosing between the features that best suit your needs. Amazon RDS offers an easy-to-use solution with great automation capabilities and cost-effectiveness, while Microsoft SQL Server offers high-performance capabilities and greater flexibility in pricing.
| Metrics | Amazon RDS | Microsoft SQL Server |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Simple and easy to use with minimal technical knowledge needed | Requires a higher level of technical know-how for proper deployment |
| Pricing | Flexible pay-as-you-go payment scheme and discounts on reserved instances | Inflexible pricing models with no discounts on reserved instances |
| Performance | Dependable performance with good flexibility in scalability | Very high-performance capabilities for high-level workloads |