January 2025 Recap: Azure Postgres Flexible Server
Hello Azure Community, Happy 2025! This January, we’re introducing some exciting updates for Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server, including a big one called pg_diskann. With pg_diskann, you can work more efficiently with large amounts of data using an advanced vector indexing algorithm. On top of that, we’ve added fresh security features, better backup options, and other handy improvements—all designed to make your work smoother. Let’s jump right in! Feature Highlights Public Preview of pg_diskann Support for the latest Postgres minor versions New Extensions and version updates New QuickStart guide for .NET SDK Server parameter enhancements New 'pg_signal_autovacuum_worker' role Public Preview of pg_diskann We’re thrilled to announce the open public preview of DiskANN, a leading vector indexing algorithm, on Azure Database for PostgreSQL - Flexible Server! Now you can use DiskANN on any new Postgres server without having to sign-up for the preview! In the latest version 0.4.0, we introduced parallel index build for faster index build times as well as addressing numerous bugs and improved index stability and performance. For additional details on pg_diskann, please refer to DiskANN documentation. Support for the Latest Postgres Minor Versions Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server now supports the latest minor versions: 17.2, 16.6, 15.10, 14.15, 13.18, and 12.22. These upgrades are automatically applied during our scheduled maintenance, ensuring your database always operates on the most secure and optimized versions available—without manual intervention. This update addresses numerous bug fixes and security improvements to bolster system stability and performance. For additional details, please refer to the PostgreSQL community announcement regarding these new minor version releases. New Extensions and Version Updates We're excited to announce support for three powerful PostgreSQL extensions: postgresql-hll, topn, and tdigest, now supported on Azure Database for PostgreSQL - Flexible Server. These extensions enhance your ability to handle complex, data-intensive workloads seamlessly. The postgresql-hll extension enables efficient approximation of unique elements using the HyperLogLog data structure, ideal for large-scale analytics. For additional details, please refer to the postgresql-hll documentation. With the topn extension, you can quickly compute the most frequently occurring values in datasets, perfect for large data analysis and real-time dashboards. For additional details, please refer to the topn documentation. The tdigest extension allows accurate quantile estimation for numeric data, making it easier to analyze percentiles and distributions at scale. For additional details, please refer to the tdigest documentation. New QuickStart guide for .NET SDK A new QuickStart guide is available that focuses on using the Azure PostgreSQL for .NET SDK to perform Flexible Server management operations. This guide will get you started with the basic setup of a .NET project, including commands to download the necessary packages and various code examples. These examples will help you understand how to manage a Flexible Server instance, including deploying, configuring firewall rules, and other settings. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, this guide is the perfect way to begin working with C# code to interact with Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server. Please check out the detailed guidelines on this SDK with this link: Quickstart: Create With Azure Libraries (SDK) For .NET - Azure Database for PostgreSQL - Flexible Server | Microsoft Learn . Server Parameter Enhancements We've enhanced several server parameters to boost your database's performance and customizability. Prominent updates include the ability to adjust settings for vacuum behavior, memory allocation, and client connection defaults, significantly enhancing system performance and stability. These updates allow greater control over your database operations and are tailored to enhance both functionality and user experience across diverse environments. For a comprehensive list of all adjustable parameters and their descriptions, visit our Server Parameter Documentation. New 'pg_signal_autovacuum_worker' role We are introducing the pg_signal_autovacuum_worker role for PostgreSQL versions 15 and higher, now available in Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server. This role lets non-super users terminate the autovacuum process when needed, such as before performing DDL operations. It's a more flexible and secure way to manage autovacuum without requiring super-user privileges. For more details around this new feature, please visit our documentation: http://aka.ms/pg-flex-pg_signal_autovaccum_worker . Azure Postgres Learning Bytes 🎓 Passwordless Connection to Database Service This month's Learning Bytes highlights how to establish a passwordless connection using Azure service connectors to the database. This method uses managed identities to eliminate manual secret management. First, include these dependencies in your pom.xml file: <dependency> <groupid>org.postgresql</groupid> <artifactid>postgresql</artifactid> <version>42.3.6</version> </dependency> <dependency> <groupid>com.azure</groupid> <artifactid>azure-identity-extensions</artifactid> <version>1.1.5</version> </dependency> Next, use the following Java code to connect to your database. You can add your connection string from the database to ‘YOUR_CONNECTION_STRING’ import java.sql.*; String url = System.getenv("YOUR_CONNECTION_STRING"); String pluginName = "com.azure.identity.extensions.jdbc.postgresql.AzurePostgresqlAuthenticationPlugin"; Connection connection = DriverManager.getConnection(url + "&authenticationPluginClassName=" + pluginName); For a more detailed tutorial on step-by-step setup for different languages and frameworks, check our tutorial on Microsoft Learn. Conclusion Thanks for checking out the new features we released this January. Every update makes Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server better, safer, and easier to use. Try them out and see how they can help you. We really value your thoughts and suggestions—they help us make our service better. Here’s to a great year ahead with lots of new improvements. Stay tuned for more updates!On-Demand Backups in Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server - Public Preview
In today’s fast-paced world of data management, safeguarding your databases is crucial. Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server simplifies this process with its robust backup management capabilities. The service automatically creates storage volume snapshots of your entire database instance, including all databases, as part of its scheduled backup routine. You can now create on-demand backups whenever required. On-demand backups can be taken in addition to scheduled automatic backups. This feature is especially useful for scenarios such as preparing for potentially high-risk operations like system upgrades or schema changes or performing periodic refreshes that fall outside your scheduled backup cadence. Key Benefits Flexible Retention: On-demand backups are retained according to your specified backup retention window, with the added flexibility to delete them when they are no longer needed. User Control: You can initiate backups based on your business needs and delete on-demand backups anytime. Seamless Integration: These backups are stored alongside automated backups, but only on-demand backups are user-deletable. Automated backups remain managed by the Flexible Server service to ensure compliance with retention requirements. Cost Optimization: While automated backups are managed by Azure and cannot be deleted, on-demand backups provide you with control over storage costs. Delete these backups once their purpose is served to avoid unnecessary storage expenses. Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server provides a comprehensive, user-friendly backup solution, giving you the confidence to manage your data effectively and securely. Let us explore how on-demand backups can elevate your database management strategy and provide peace of mind during high-stakes operations. Automated Backups vs On-Demand Backups Feature Automated Backups On-Demand Backups Creation Scheduled by Azure Manually initiated by the user Retention Based on the backup policy Based on the backup policy Deletion Managed by Azure User-controlled Use Cases Regular data protection High-risk operations, ad-hoc needs How to take On-Demand Backups using portal. In the Azure portal, choose your Azure Database for PostgreSQL flexible server. Click Settings from the left panel and choose Backup and Restore. Click Backup now and provide your backup name. 4. Click Trigger. 5. A notification is shown that an On-demand backup trigger has been initiated. How to take On-Demand Backups using CLI. You can run the following command to perform an on-demand backup of a server. az postgres flexible-server backup create [--source-server-name] [--resource-group] [--backup-name] Example : For more information: How to perform On-demand backups using CLI What's Next Once you have taken an on-demand backup based on your business needs, you can retain it until your high-risk operation is complete or use it to refresh your reporting or non-production environments. When the backup is no longer needed, you can delete it to optimize storage costs. To restore or delete on-demand backups, you can use the Azure portal, CLI, or API for seamless management. Limitations: In preview, on-demand backups currently work with general-purpose and Memory-optimized SKUs only. We will add support for burstable SKUs later. Take Control of Your Database Protection Today! The ability to create on-demand backups is critical for managing and safeguarding your data. Whether you're preparing for high-risk operations or refreshing non-production environments, this feature puts flexibility and control in your hands. Get started now: Create your first on-demand backup using the Azure Portal or CLI. Optimize your storage costs by deleting backups when no longer needed. Restore with ease to keep your databases resilient and ready for any challenge. Protect your data effectively and ensure your database is always prepared for the unexpected. Learn more about Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server and explore the possibilities with on-demand backups today! You can always find the latest features added to Flexible server in this release notes page. We are eager to hear all the great scenarios this new feature helps you optimize, and look forward to receiving your feedback at https://aka.ms/PGfeedback.Enhance Cost Optimization in Azure Cosmos DB Without Compromising Service
Optimizing Azure cosmos DB involves using strategies and best practices to reduce the overall spending on the service while maintaining and improving performance and availability. In this blog, I’ll explore actionable strategies and tools for reducing your Azure Cosmos DB costs without sacrificing the speed, scalability, or reliability of your database. Whether you're managing large-scale applications or developing on a budget, these insights will help you make the most out of Azure Cosmos DB. The main sub-topics we shall dive into includes: Pricing model Free development Plan for OptimizationGetting started with Azure Cosmos Database (A Deep Dive)
A deep dive into Azure Cosmos DB - a globally distributed, real-time NoSQL and relational database that scales effortlessly and delivers seamless performance at every level. Topics to be covered NoSQL Vs Relational Databases What is Azure Cosmos DB Azure cosmos DB Architecture Azure Cosmos Db Components Multi-model (APIs) Partitions Request Units Azure cosmos DB Access Methods Scenario: Event Database Creating Resources using Azure cosmos DB for NoSQL
