Which type of storage should be used in conjunction with Azure VMs for SQL Server data files?

When deploying SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines, the most suitable type of storage to use for SQL Server data files is Disk Storage. This is primarily because Disk Storage provides the necessary performance and throughput required for SQL Server workloads. Azure Disk Storage is specifically designed for use with Azure Virtual Machines, offering managed disks that can deliver high IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) and consistent low-latency performance, which are essential for database operations.

Using Disk Storage allows database administrators to take advantage of features such as scalable storage options, snapshots for backups, and better durability and availability of data. Managed disks simplify the management of VM disks, allowing for higher availability through redundancy options, making them the ideal choice for SQL Server data files.

Other storage types like Blob Storage, Table Storage, and File Storage cater to different needs and use cases. Blob Storage is typically used for storing unstructured data like images or documents and is not optimized for the requirements that SQL Server demands for structured data storage and performance. Table Storage is a NoSQL storage option designed for simple key-value storage scenarios and lacks the relational capabilities needed by SQL Server. File Storage offers a shared file system, but it does not provide the level of performance and reliability necessary for SQL Server database workloads like