Cloud

SQL Server on AWS

Amazon RDS for SQL Server removes some administration and also removes some control. SQL Server on EC2 keeps the engine you know and the operational work that comes with it.

RDS or EC2

RDS is a fit when the database stays inside the features RDS supports and you want AWS to handle patching and backups within those limits. EC2 is a fit when you need an option RDS does not offer, or you are not ready to change how the instance is run. We say which one matches the instance instead of treating RDS as the only modern choice.

See cloud and hybrid database services and, if PostgreSQL is the real target, Aurora PostgreSQL.

Checked before a recommendation

  • Edition, features and jobs the instance uses
  • Backup and restore control you need to keep
  • How the application reaches the database
  • Whether this is a host move or also a version upgrade

RDS or EC2 is a design choice

Tell us the SQL Server version and any feature you cannot give up. We will say which AWS option can host it.