Windows Azure Pack comes with SQL resource provider, which enables service providers to offer shared database services for both standalone (no HA) and highly available databases. This blog is the first in the series where I explain step-by step on how a dedicated SQL offer (this means that a single database server is reserved for a single subscription) leveraging the plans / add-on features. Each instruction / step is shown with the corresponding screen capture. Texts are provided with the screen capture, only if something needs to be called out specifically.

Like always, while testing this out, I have used a virtual machine from Azure. If you are trying this on an on-premise machine, skip the steps accordingly.

This blog covers the first four steps

• Create and remote into SQL 2014 virtual machine on Azure
• Install Windows Server Roles & Features
• Enable SQL Authentication and Reset ‘sa’ password
• Install and Configure Windows Azure Pack Portal Express

You can continue reading the second part of this series here.

Step 1: Create and remote into SQL 2014 virtual machine on Azure

Step 2: Install Windows Server Roles & Features

Enable the required roles and features for Windows Azure Pack. I have created another blog on how to easily do this using PowerShell. You can follow the steps from here. Note that this step is optional. If you do not do this, Windows Azure Pack Portal Express deployment will do it for you.

Step 3: Enable SQL Authentication and Reset ‘sa’ password

By default, SQL virtual machines on Azure come with Windows Authentication. You need to explicitly enable SQL authentication. Note that you need to restart SQL Server service, after enabling SQL authentication.

Step 4: Install and Configure Windows Azure Pack Portal Express

You can continue reading the second part of this series here.