Month: November 2011

SQL Azure Databases

By Marcel Meijer

When I do sessions on Windows Azure, then SQL Azure is always part of that. Most of the time remarks about the maximum sizes of SQL Azure database come from the audience. Quick summary. There are 2 SQL Azure editions available: Web and Business. I have not found any differences between the two, but perhaps this will come in the future. The Web edition comes in sizes of 1 Gb and 5 Gb. The Business edition starts at 10 Gb and ends with 50 Gb, in steps of 10 Gb. In December the maximum will be 150 Gb (here). The … Continue reading SQL Azure Databases

Windows Azure Storage vs Local Storage

By Marcel Meijer

If I do sessions on Windows Azure, I always point out that we as software engineers/architects should think about costs again. Because Windows Azure may look more expensive in comparison of an on premise situation, but we as developers have influence on it. Ok, the different VM’s of course have standard costs. And as I told in my previous blogpost, when you combine roles this could help you. Hereby a list of the standard costs of a VM per month. Please notice the table goes for 1 instance of a VM. Look here for the calculation with more instances.   … Continue reading Windows Azure Storage vs Local Storage

Combine WorkerRole and WebRole Windows Azure

By Marcel Meijer

Sometimes is cost efficient to combine a WebRole and WorkerRole. In this way you use the complete capacity of the VM/Server, without the need of extra instances. Assume this scenario. You got a WebRole with 2 Websites and a WorkerRole. But now the WorkerRole could do with a smaller VM. Of course you can chose a smaller VM, but what if you already are using the smallest instance (XS)? And besides that the WebRole with 2 Websites also not using the complete capacity of the VM. In this case it looks interesting to combine the two roles. This combination can … Continue reading Combine WorkerRole and WebRole Windows Azure