What is the primary purpose of Azure SQL Database?

The primary purpose of Azure SQL Database is to provide a managed relational database service in the cloud, making it easier for organizations to develop, operate, and scale their applications without the need to manage the underlying infrastructure. This fully managed service includes features like automatic backups, scaling, security, and high availability, which allow users to focus on database design and query optimization rather than on maintenance tasks.

The platform is built to support business-critical applications requiring relational data storage with high performance. It provides compatibility with Microsoft SQL Server, which makes it easier for developers familiar with SQL Server to transition to a cloud-based solution.

In contrast, data warehousing services, storing unstructured data, and facilitating big data processing are functions handled by other Azure services like Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Blob Storage, and Azure HDInsight, respectively. These services are designed for different use cases and workloads that go beyond the scope of a traditional relational database management system.