June 2023 Release for Azure Arc-enabled SQL Server and Azure Arc-enabled SQL Managed Instance

The June release of Azure Arc-enabled SQL Server and Azure Arc-enabled SQL Managed Instance brings exciting new features and enhancements that simplify management and provide greater flexibility for database administrators. In this blog post, we will delve into the new capabilities of Azure Arc-enabled SQL Server and Azure Arc-enabled SQL Managed Instance, highlighting the benefits they bring to database administrators. 

Azure Extension for SQL Server:  

The Azure extension for SQL Server enables administrators to seamlessly integrate their SQL Server instances with Azure services, simplifying management and increasing efficiency. As part of the June release, administrators can view all of their SQL Server instances, modify properties like license type, skip instances and subscribe to Extended Security Update (ESU) in the new SQL Server Configuration tab in the Azure Portal. 

Azure Arc-enabled SQL Managed Instance: 

One of the key enhancements in the June release for Azure Arc-enabled SQL Managed Instance is the addition of Azure CLI support for managing transparent data encryption (TDE). TDE helps protect sensitive data by encrypting the data at rest. Administrators can now leverage the power of Azure CLI to manage TDE settings seamlessly. This capability allows for more efficient and automated management of TDE, enabling administrators to ensure data security without the need for manual intervention. By using Azure CLI, administrators can easily enable or disable TDE for databases, manage encryption keys, and monitor the status of TDE across multiple instances.  

These advancements in Azure Arc-enabled SQL Server and Azure Arc-enabled SQL Managed Instance provide organizations with the flexibility to leverage hybrid and multi-cloud architectures, enabling them to seamlessly manage and protect their data across various environments. By leveraging these new features and capabilities, organizations can optimize their database management practices, enhance security, and improve overall operational efficiency. 

Nikita Takru

Product Manager at Microsoft, Azure Data