Instance pools is a new feature in Azure SQL MI provide a convenient and cost-efficient way to migrate smaller instances to cloud at scale.
This feature is in preview. This concept is similar to have multiple SQL instances in the same Virtual machine and make efficient use of the compute resources. The instance deployment is very fast when compared to traditional SQL Instance deployment.
The benefits of Instance pools are,
- Ability to host 2-vCore instances
- Predictable and fast instance deployment
- Minimal IP address allocation.
License included: According to Microsoft, price of SQL Server licenses is included. This is for the customers who choose not to apply existing SQL Server licenses with Software Assurance.
Azure Hybrid Benefit: A reduced price that includes Azure Hybrid Benefit for SQL Server. Customers can opt into this price by using their existing SQL Server licenses with SA.