Open-Source Databases on Azure
Not every application uses SQL Server. Azure also offers fully managed MySQL and PostgreSQL — the world's most popular open-source databases.
Open-source databases in the cloud
SQL Server isn’t the only relational database. Millions of apps use MySQL or PostgreSQL instead.
Azure offers managed versions of both — same database engine your developers already know, but Azure handles the servers, backups, and patching. It’s like moving from cooking at home to having a professional kitchen prepare your favourite recipe.
Azure Database for MySQL
MySQL is the most widely deployed open-source relational database. It powers WordPress, Drupal, Magento, and countless web applications.
Azure Database for MySQL — Flexible Server (the current offering) provides:
- Community MySQL engine (versions 5.7 and 8.0+)
- Automated backups with point-in-time restore (up to 35 days)
- High availability with zone-redundant deployment
- Automatic patching and version upgrades
- Built-in monitoring and performance insights
Aisha’s example: Her campus food app uses a popular PHP framework that expects MySQL. Azure Database for MySQL lets her deploy without changing any database code.
Azure Database for PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL (often called “Postgres”) is known for advanced features: complex queries, JSON support, geographic data (PostGIS), and extensibility.
Azure Database for PostgreSQL — Flexible Server provides:
- Community PostgreSQL engine (versions 13-17)
- Same managed benefits as MySQL (backups, HA, patching)
- Support for extensions (PostGIS for geospatial, pgvector for AI, pg_cron for scheduling)
- Connection pooling with PgBouncer (built-in)
Tom’s example: Pacific Freight uses PostGIS to query geographic data for delivery routes. Azure Database for PostgreSQL supports the PostGIS extension natively.
| Feature | Azure DB for MySQL | Azure DB for PostgreSQL |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | MySQL Community Edition | PostgreSQL Community Edition |
| Best for | Web apps, CMS (WordPress), PHP/Node.js apps | Complex queries, GIS data, advanced data types, AI workloads |
| Key strength | Simplicity, wide ecosystem, huge community | Advanced features, extensibility, standards compliance |
| JSON support | Basic (JSON column type) | Advanced (JSONB with indexing and querying) |
| Extensions | Limited | Rich ecosystem (PostGIS, pgvector, pg_cron) |
| Typical users | Web developers, CMS builders | Data-intensive apps, GIS analysts, AI developers |
What about MariaDB?
You may have heard of MariaDB — a fork of MySQL created by MySQL’s original developer. Azure previously offered Azure Database for MariaDB, but this service was retired in September 2025. MariaDB is no longer available as a managed Azure service.
For the DP-900 exam, focus on MySQL and PostgreSQL as the two open-source database services on Azure.
Exam tip: open-source database selection
When the exam describes a scenario with open-source databases:
- “WordPress site” or “PHP application” → Azure Database for MySQL
- “Geographic/spatial data” or “PostGIS” → Azure Database for PostgreSQL
- “Advanced JSON querying” → Azure Database for PostgreSQL
- “Simple web application with MySQL driver” → Azure Database for MySQL
- “Need full SQL Server compatibility” → NOT open-source — use Azure SQL
Flashcards
Knowledge check
Aisha's food ordering app is built with a PHP framework that requires MySQL. She wants Azure to handle server management, backups, and patching. Which service should she use?
Tom's logistics app needs to query geographic coordinates — finding the nearest warehouse to a delivery address using spatial calculations. Which Azure database service supports this BEST?
Next up: Choosing the Right Azure Database — a decision guide for picking the right relational database service.