SQL Azure Resource Ultilization Limits [FAQ]

As Azure is a common platform shared by many users Microsoft has implement resource utilization limits to prevent excessive use of resources. This seems a little strange on a cloud based system which should isolate users and provide effortless scaling but some resources need to be managed carefully to prevent an adverse impact on the entire cloud. Expect these restrictions to be eased and modified as Azure matures.

As at launch (January 2010) SQL Azure will disconnect any idle sessions after 5 minutes, it will also kill any long running transactions which last over 5 minutes (Microsoft has pledged to adapt this restriction in future and attempt to distinguish between genuine long running transactions and transactions which are not operating correctly). SQL Azure will implement resource throttling if a process generates excessive CPU or I/O load. The exact throttle thresholds are not disclosed.