Set up SQL Data Sync for Azure

To set up SQL Data Sync for Azure, you need to follow a series of steps that allow you to synchronize data across multiple Azure SQL databases. In this article, we’ll explore the process of setting up SQL Data Sync, which is an important topic covered in the exam for administering Microsoft Azure SQL solutions. Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Create Azure SQL Databases

To begin, you’ll need to create the Azure SQL databases that you want to synchronize. You can create new databases or use existing ones. Ensure that the databases are in the same Azure region for optimal performance.

Step 2: Configure a Sync Group

A Sync Group is a container that holds the databases you want to sync. Follow these steps to configure a Sync Group:

1. In the Azure portal, navigate to your SQL database and select “Sync to other databases”.
2. Click on “New sync group” to begin setting up the group.
3. Provide a unique name and select the desired region for your Sync Group.
4. Under “Database selection,” add the databases you want to include in the sync group.
5. Specify the sync direction, conflict resolution policy, and other sync settings.
6. Save the Sync Group.

Step 3: Configure Sync Group Members

Now that you have created the Sync Group, it’s time to configure the database members within the group. Follow these steps:

1. Within the Sync Group page, select the “Hub databases” tab.
2. Under “Hub databases,” add the databases that will act as the central hubs for synchronization.
3. For each hub database, specify the sync frequency, schema settings, and other options.
4. Save the changes.

Step 4: Configure Sync Group Members (Contd.)

After configuring the hub databases, it’s time to configure the member databases within the Sync Group. Follow these steps:

1. Within the Sync Group page, switch to the “Member databases” tab.
2. Click “Add SQL Database” to add the member databases.
3. For each member database, provide the necessary details including connection string, provider, and credentials.
4. Adjust the sync frequency and other sync settings as per your requirements.
5. Save the changes.

Step 5: Initialize and Sync Data

With the Sync Group, hub databases, and member databases configured, you need to initialize and sync the data. Follow these steps:

1. Within the Sync Group page, switch to the “Sync” tab.
2. Click on “Sync” to start the initial synchronization process.
3. Monitor the sync progress and ensure it completes successfully.
4. Once the initial sync is complete, subsequent sync operations will happen automatically based on the configured frequency.

Step 6: Monitor and Troubleshoot Sync

It’s essential to monitor and troubleshoot the synchronization process to ensure data consistency. Here are a few key steps:

1. Navigate to the Sync Group page and switch to the “Sync” tab.
2. Review the sync progress and check for any errors or conflicts.
3. Utilize the available troubleshooting tools and logs to identify and resolve issues.

Step 7: Manage Sync Group Settings

As your requirements evolve, you may need to modify the Sync Group settings. Here’s how you can manage the Sync Group:

1. Go to the Sync Group page.
2. Modify the sync frequency, member databases, hub databases, or other settings as needed.
3. Save the changes.

Conclusion

Setting up SQL Data Sync for Azure allows you to synchronize data across multiple Azure SQL databases. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a Sync Group, configure hub and member databases, and initialize the synchronization process. Remember to monitor and troubleshoot sync operations regularly. Now that you’re familiar with the process, you’re ready to tackle the SQL Data Sync setup in your Azure environment.

Note: This article provides an overview of the steps involved in setting up SQL Data Sync for Azure. For detailed information and specific scenarios, refer to the official Microsoft documentation.