How is SQL Azure Database different from a dedicated hosted database in Cloud?
SQL Azure Database is a highly available, scalable, distributed database service hosted by Microsoft in the cloud. SQL Azure Database enables easy provisioning and deployment of relational database services. Developers do not have to install, setup, patch or manage any software. HA, backup and recovery, geo-distribution and disaster recovery will be built-in. With a dedicated hosted database, developers and IT Pros are still responsible for installing, setting up, updating and patching OS and database software. Additionally, hosted database solutions have to device HA, scaling out and disaster recovery solutions thus increasing total cost of administration.