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Greetings, Azure Database for PostgreSQL community! As we step into August, it’s time to look back and reflect on the significant updates and features we introduced in July 2023. At Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server, our consistent focus is on offering stellar performance, unwavering reliability, and unbeatable security via our flexible server solution. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from the last month.

 

Feature Highlights Summary 

 

In July, we launched significant updates to optimize your experience with Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server:

1. Flexible Server now supports PostgreSQL 15 (general availability)


2. Automation Tasks for managing your Flexible Server with greater ease (preview)


3. Flexible Server Migration: Parallel table migration support (general availability)


4. Flexible Server Migration: Automatic Migration of Users, Roles, Permissions, and Ownerships (general availability)


5. Introducing AMD Compute SKUs for General Purpose and Memory Optimized Tiers (general availability)

 

Flexible Server now supports PostgreSQL 15

 

 

We are excited to announce that PostgreSQL 15 is now Generally Available in Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server in all supported regions. After a successful preview phase, we’re delighted to offer our users the stability, robust features, and security enhancements of PostgreSQL 15.

PostgreSQL 15 includes several new features, performance improvements, and advanced functionalities to address a variety of use cases for developers and DBAs. The upgraded version ensures improved performance, scalability, and efficiency, as well as tightened security controls, reinforcing our commitment to providing our users with the most advanced database solutions. For steps on how to upgrade to PostgreSQL 15, please refer – Major Version Upgrade for PostgreSQL Flexible Server.

Alternatively , to create a new PostgreSQL 15 Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server, please refer the blog post, PostgreSQL v15 is now Generally available in Flexible Server PostgreSQL.

 

Automation Tasks for managing your Flexible Server

 

 

We are pleased to introduce the preview of “Automation Tasks” for Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server. This feature enables users to automate common management tasks such as starting / stopping servers on schedule, scaling server resources, or sending monthly cost report.

Automation tasks are designed to be basic and lightweight. These tasks are essentially logic app resources that execute workflows at the Azure resource level, powered by the multi-tenant Azure Logic Apps service. Once an automation task has completed at least one run, users can view and edit the underlying workflow in the workflow designer.

Creating an automation task doesn’t incur immediate charges. Instead, the billing model is based on consumption, where metering and billing are driven by triggers and action executions in the underlying logic app workflow. Task history contains a log of task runs and their status. If you wish to modify a task after its creation, they can edit it inline or adjust the underlying workflow in the workflow designer. For more details, refer Manage Azure Database for PostgreSQL – Flexible Server using automation tasks.

Flexible Server Migration Tool enhancements

 

Fast-tracking Table Migration: Introducing Intra-Table Parallelism

We’re delighted to introduce the Intra-Table Parallelism feature to the Flexible Server Migration tool for Azure Database for PostgreSQL. Designed to simplify the migration of your single server workload to flexible server, this tool now supports simultaneous migration of multiple partitions within a single table. This parallelism substantially minimizes migration time and enhances process efficiency.

 

This upgrade is particularly beneficial for larger databases, leading to considerable time and resource savings. If you’re contemplating migrating your database to Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server, the Intra-Table Parallelism feature provides an efficient pathway to expedite the migration process and quicken your database’s operational readiness. 

 

Automatic Migration of Users, Roles, Permissions, and Ownerships

 

We’ve further upgraded the Flexible Server Migration tool for Azure Database for PostgreSQL by adding the ability to automatically migrate users, roles, permissions, and ownerships from a single server to a flexible server.

This enhancement simplifies the migration process and ensures that all database object ownerships and privileges are correctly assigned to their respective users and roles in the flexible server. This new feature underscores our commitment to making the transition to our flexible server solution as seamless and accurate as possible.

To make the most of these features, refer to our customer guide.

 

Introducing AMD Compute SKUs for General Purpose and Memory Optimized Tiers

 

We are delighted to announce that Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server now offers you the choice between Intel and AMD hardware. This expanded offering extends to our General Purpose (v5-series) and Memory Optimized (v5-series) tiers. The inclusion of AMD SKUs introduces choice of hardware vendors t for both your primary and secondary servers, thereby providing greater control and flexibility over your workload deployment. As part of our commitment to accessibility, these AMD options are now available in more regions and zones.

For a comprehensive understanding of these offerings, see the service pricing page.

 

Customer Spotlight: Fujitsu Japan Utilizes Azure Database for PostgreSQL

 

 

This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight the experience of a renowned global IT solutions provider Fujitsu, who employed Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server in their mission to transform their established EDI solution into a cloud-based offering. Using open-source technologies such as Java and PostgreSQL, they integrated our fully managed PostgreSQL database service into their system, relishing its flexibility, scalability, reliability, and security. The use of our PaaS services significantly reduced operational burden and enabled rapid expansion of their services.

A microservice architecture, linking each PaaS service by API, contributed to superior flexibility, scalability, and improved reliability and stability. This not only increased their operational efficiency but also enhanced the convenience of their cloud services.

This customer story exemplifies the immense potential and robustness of the Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server, particularly when paired with open-source technologies. For a more detailed account of their success, please check out the Fujitsu Japan rebuilt their solution by fully utilizing Azure PaaS.

Conclusion

As we close out July 2023, we celebrate key strides in Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server’s development. The launch of PostgreSQL 15, preview of Automation Tasks, enhancements to our Migration tool, and the introduction of AMD Compute SKUs, all contribute to an enriched, efficient user experience.

Thank you for taking the time to stay updated with the recent developments in Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server. We’re excited to see how these new features will contribute to your success.

Brought to you by Dr. Ware, Microsoft Office 365 Silver Partner, Charleston SC.