Which feature allows Azure SQL Database to handle traffic spikes efficiently?

The dynamic scalability of resources in Azure SQL Database is a critical feature that enables it to efficiently handle traffic spikes. This functionality allows the database to automatically adjust its compute resources based on the current workload demand. During periods of increased activity or user requests, Azure SQL Database can scale up to provide more processing power, ensuring that performance remains optimal without manual intervention. Conversely, when the demand decreases, resources can be scaled down to help optimize costs.

This flexibility is particularly important for applications that experience variable traffic patterns, as it ensures that users have a seamless experience even during peak times. In a cloud environment, dynamic scalability minimizes downtime and resource wastage, aligning resource allocation closely with real-time usage.

In contrast, static resource allocation does not provide the same level of responsiveness to workload changes, ensuring that performance may not be as optimal during peak periods. Increased storage limits pertain to data capacity rather than processing power scalability, while user-defined resource groups are more related to organizational and management practices rather than the ability to handle traffic demands effectively. Thus, dynamic scalability of resources stands out as the most relevant feature for addressing traffic spikes in Azure SQL Database.