What does "serverless compute" mean in Azure SQL Database?

The concept of "serverless compute" in Azure SQL Database refers to a pricing model that automatically adjusts compute resources based on the current workload demands. This means that instead of having a constant amount of compute resources assigned to the database, the system can scale up or down depending on the operations being performed at any given time. This model allows for efficient use of resources and can lead to cost savings by only charging for the compute time used rather than for reserved capacity.

This automatic scaling capability is especially beneficial for workloads with variable or unpredictable usage patterns, as it helps to ensure that performance remains optimal without over-provisioning resources. Serverless compute is particularly valuable for applications that do not require a continuous base level of performance throughout the entire day or week, allowing organizations to effectively manage costs while maintaining performance.

The other options relate to different concepts within Azure SQL Database. A fixed pricing model for consistent workload implies a more traditional approach where resources are always allocated regardless of usage. Charging based only on storage aligns with a storage-focused pricing strategy but does not capture the dynamic resource allocation that serverless provides. Lastly, a model with dedicated resources for each database indicates a more traditional provisioned model that does not leverage the benefits of automatic scaling, which differentiates serverless from