When modernizing infrastructure, choosing between self-managed SQL Server and a managed cloud offering like Azure SQL Managed Instances can be a pivotal decision for enterprises.

In this TFiR interview, Dave Bermingham, Senior Technical Evangelist at SIOS Technology, highlighted the nuanced trade-offs organizations face. For teams maintaining legacy applications that depend on features like cross-database queries or SQL Server Agent, self-managed SQL Server remains essential. Those legacy dependencies may not translate well into managed services, Bermingham explained.

But operational priorities also matter. “If you’re trying to prioritize reducing the administrative overhead,” he noted, “then maybe a managed service… can simplify things like patching and backups.”

Bermingham further emphasized that high availability, performance tuning, and compliance requirements are often deciding factors. While managed services offer convenience, organizations needing granular control over SQL environments may benefit more from maintaining their own instances.

For DevOps teams, DBAs, and IT leaders, this decision is not just about technology—it’s about aligning with business goals, operational efficiency, and regulatory obligations.

Watch the full video on TFiR to hear Dave Bermingham’s expert take on finding the right fit for your SQL strategy.