At work we load data into a SQL Server 2012 database, and create .bak files that are exported. Yes that is correct, due to compatibility issues, we need to use SQL Server 2012.

This process, which is probably running for 3-4 hours per day, is currently running on an on-premise machine, but we want to move it to Azure.

However, SQL databases in Azure are v2017 , but I have read that it's possible to run SQL Sever 2012 in a Docker container. Before I invest a lot of time into this idea, has any one tried to host an old SQL Server version in a Docker container in Azure?

CodePudding user response：

As said, use a VM. Microsoft maintain VM images all the way back to 2008 plus you can integrate backup and automatic updates to the OS and SQL. Images are listed here and you can pay as you go or bring your own license:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/virtual-machines/windows/sql-server-on-azure-vm-iaas-what-is-overview

In the pay as you go model you can shutdown the VM (i.e. the VM itself not just the OS) and you won’t get charged for the VM or the SQL license. You will still get charged for storage. See here:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/virtual-machines/windows/pricing-guidance#pay-per-usage