Azure Database for MySQL: Managed Database Service from Microsoft

Azure Database for MySQL: Managed Database Service Guide

Azure Database for MySQL is Microsoft's fully managed relational database service built on the MySQL Community Edition engine. It provides enterprise-grade high availability, automatic backups, and intelligent performance tuning without database administration overhead. EPC Group helps enterprises deploy, migrate, and optimize Azure Database for MySQL — with compliance for HIPAA, SOC 2, and FedRAMP. 29 years of Microsoft experience.

Key facts

• Built on MySQL Community Edition — compatible with existing MySQL applications.
• Fully managed — Microsoft handles patching, backups, and high availability.
• Deployment options: Single Server (legacy), Flexible Server (recommended for new workloads).
• High availability options: Zone-redundant HA with 99.99% SLA on Flexible Server.
• Compliance: HIPAA, SOC 2, FedRAMP, GDPR, and ISO 27001 supported.
• EPC Group: 29 years Microsoft consulting, 10,000+ enterprise deployments.

What is Azure Database for MySQL?

Azure Database for MySQL is a fully managed relational database service. It is built on the MySQL Community Edition engine and runs in Microsoft's Azure cloud.

Microsoft handles infrastructure tasks: patching, backups, high availability, and intelligent performance tuning. Your team focuses on the application, not database administration.

Common workloads include SaaS applications, e-commerce platforms, and legacy MySQL migrations to the cloud.

Azure Database for MySQL Deployment Options

• Flexible Server — The current recommended deployment model. Supports zone-redundant HA, custom maintenance windows, and cost-saving options like auto-stop for dev/test.
• Single Server — Legacy model. Microsoft recommends migrating Single Server workloads to Flexible Server before the retirement date.

Key Features

• Automatic backups — Configurable retention from 1 to 35 days. Point-in-time restore.
• High availability — Zone-redundant HA for Flexible Server. 99.99% SLA with standby replica in another availability zone.
• Read replicas — Up to 5 read replicas for scale-out of read-heavy workloads.
• Performance Insights — Query performance monitoring to identify and fix slow queries.
• Intelligent performance — Auto-tune of InnoDB buffer pool, index recommendations, and connection pooling with PgBouncer-equivalent for MySQL.
• Encryption — Data at rest with AES-256. TLS 1.2+ for data in transit. Customer-managed keys via Azure Key Vault.
• Private connectivity — Azure Private Link and VNet integration. No public internet exposure required.

Security and Compliance

Azure Database for MySQL supports compliance-first deployments. Regulated industries can meet framework requirements with native Azure controls:

• HIPAA — BAA with Microsoft, encryption at rest/in transit, audit logging, private endpoints.
• SOC 2 — Audit logging to Azure Monitor, access controls via Entra ID, encryption, and change management.
• FedRAMP — Azure Government regions with FedRAMP Moderate/High authorization.
• GDPR — Data residency controls, deletion capabilities, and audit trails.

Azure Confidential Computing (DCadsv5/ECasv5 series) adds protection for data while in use. AMD SEV-SNP and Intel TDX enclaves protect data during processing. This matters for clinical analytics with PHI, financial services M&A modeling, and federal IL5 workloads running on shared infrastructure.

Migration to Azure Database for MySQL

EPC Group handles MySQL migrations using Azure Database Migration Service. We support two migration modes:

• Offline migration — One-time data copy with a planned maintenance window. Best for non-critical databases where brief downtime is acceptable.
• Online migration — Continuous replication with a minimal cutover window. Best for production databases that cannot tolerate extended downtime.

Azure ExpressRoute for Database Connectivity

Enterprises needing private, dedicated connectivity to Azure can use ExpressRoute. Pricing tiers for 2026:

• ExpressRoute Local — $0/month metered, plus bandwidth. For in-region Azure egress.
• ExpressRoute Standard — $300/month for 1 Gbps, plus bandwidth. Cross-region access.
• ExpressRoute Premium — $300/month add-on. Global connectivity to all Azure regions and Microsoft 365.

Frequently asked questions

What is Azure Database for MySQL?

Azure Database for MySQL is Microsoft's fully managed relational database service. It runs on the MySQL Community Edition engine. Microsoft manages patching, backups, and high availability so developers can focus on the application.

Should I use Flexible Server or Single Server?

Use Flexible Server for all new deployments. It offers zone-redundant HA, custom maintenance windows, and better cost controls. Single Server is a legacy offering. Microsoft recommends migrating to Flexible Server.

Does Azure Database for MySQL support HIPAA?

Yes. With a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) from Microsoft, encryption at rest and in transit, private endpoints, and audit logging to Azure Monitor, Azure Database for MySQL meets HIPAA security rule requirements.

How much does Azure Database for MySQL cost?

Azure Database for MySQL pricing depends on compute tier (Burstable, General Purpose, Memory Optimized), vCore count, storage, and backup retention. EPC Group includes pricing guidance in every MySQL engagement. Contact us for a sizing estimate based on your workload.

What databases can you migrate to Azure Database for MySQL?

We migrate on-premises MySQL and MariaDB workloads, as well as MySQL hosted on AWS RDS or other cloud providers. Azure Database Migration Service supports offline and online migration modes for minimal disruption.

Start your Azure MySQL migration

Talk to a database architect about your MySQL migration or Flexible Server deployment. Call (888) 381-9725 or request a 30-minute discovery call.