In the context of Azure SQL Database, what does the acronym DTU stand for?

In the context of Azure SQL Database, DTU stands for Database Transaction Unit. This measure is a combined assessment of various resources required for the performance of your database workload, encompassing aspects such as CPU, memory, and I/O throughput. DTUs provide a simplified way to quantify the performance capabilities of the database, allowing users to understand and provision the appropriate resources for their specific application needs efficiently.

The DTU model allows users to focus on a single metric while managing database resources, rather than needing to adjust individual components like CPU and memory separately. This aggregated approach makes it easier to select the right Database Service Tier based on expected load, rather than having to deal with the complexities of each resource type.

Understanding DTUs is essential for database administrators to effectively provision, monitor, and optimize performance for their Azure SQL Databases, ensuring that applications run smoothly and efficiently based on their workload requirements.