SQL Server 2014 and Cloud - Getting Started with SQL Server 2014 Administration - page 14

(NAME = TestDB1_log,
FILENAME = 'https://gresqlstorage.blob.core.windows.net/sqldata/
TestDB1Log.ldf')
GO
This command will create a database that appears to be an on-premise database
housed on the SQL Server 2014 instance, but the storage of the data and log iles is
in fact on Microsoft Azure Storage. This is a true hybrid database that spans both
on- and off-premise technologies.
Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines
In this next section, we look at Microsoft's cloud-based Infrastructure as a Service
offering. It is possible to quickly create a fully blown Windows Server 2012
virtual machine with SQL Server 2014 installed. Instead of building a virtualized
environment on your premises, you rent a virtual machine from Microsoft. This
approach does mean that you will have to undertake more of the administration
tasks when it comes to managing the guest operating system, but you don't need
to buy additional hardware.
Creating a Microsoft Azure Virtual Machine
The following steps will create a Microsoft-Azure-hosted virtual machine:
1. First, you will need a Microsoft Azure account to be able to create a SQL Server
virtual machine in it. You can usually sign up for a free trial, so it won't cost
you anything to test this out. Assuming that you have the account set up and
you are signed in, you will be able to create your own virtual machine.
2. From the Microsoft Azure Management portal, you need to click on the
Virtual Machine tab on the left-hand side menu. Click on the New button.
Ensure that the virtual machine option is selected and then click on the From
Gallery button as shown in the following screenshot. Microsoft supplies a
list of templates that you can make use of in order to quickly deploy a virtual
machine of your choice.