Managed Databases#
A managed database is a database the cloud provider runs for you. Instead of installing and maintaining database software on a lab server, workstation, or your own VM, you create the database and start using it. The provider takes care of the work that keeps it running:
Automatic backups: Backups run on a schedule, and you can restore your database to an earlier point in time if data is lost or changed by mistake.
Software updates: The provider applies security patches and version updates for you.
Resizing: Increase storage, memory, or processing power as your data grows, without rebuilding the database.
High availability: Optionally keep a standby copy that takes over automatically if the primary database fails.
Built-in security: Data is encrypted, and access is controlled through your cloud account.
This leaves you free to focus on your data and analysis instead of maintaining the system behind it.
Database Services#
Each provider offers a managed relational database service:
AWS: Amazon RDS supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, and Aurora
Azure: Azure SQL Database supports cloud-native and lift-and-shift SQL workloads
GCP: Cloud SQL for relational databases; BigQuery for serverless analytics
For large-scale analytical queries, consider BigQuery (GCP), Amazon Redshift (AWS), or Azure Synapse Analytics.
Cost Components#
Instance charges: Based on database size, memory, and vCPU allocation
Storage: Charged per GB of provisioned database and backup storage
I/O activity: Additional fees may apply for high volumes of read/write operations
Licensing: Commercial engines such as SQL Server or Oracle may include licensing costs
For predictable usage, reserved instance options are available on all three platforms.
Cost Calculator#
Each provider offers a pricing calculator to estimate managed database costs before you deploy. The following example configures a small general-purpose instance at on-demand pricing for a relational database engine. Set each field to the value shown; leave any field not listed at its default.
Go to the AWS Pricing Calculator , click Create estimate, search for Amazon RDS, and select Configure Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL (or your engine of choice — the fields are the same across engines).
Set the following fields:
Field
Value
Choose a Region
US East (Ohio)
Selected Instance
db.m6g.large (2 vCPU, 8 GiB RAM), or search for the size you need
Deployment Option
Single-AZ (Multi-AZ doubles instance cost for high availability)
Pricing Model
OnDemand
Storage volume
General Purpose SSD (gp2)
Storage amount
Your expected storage volume (GB)
Click Save and view summary to review your estimate.
Go to the Azure Pricing Calculator , find Azure SQL Database under Products, and click Add to estimate.
Set the following fields:
Field
Value
Region
North Central US
Type
Single Database
Purchase Model
vCore
Service Tier
General Purpose
Compute Tier
Provisioned
Instance
2 vCore, or select the size you need
Storage
Your expected storage volume (GB)
Under Savings Options, select Pay as you go.
Review your estimate in the Your Estimate panel.
Go to the Google Cloud Pricing Calculator , click Add to estimate, and select Cloud SQL.
Set the following fields:
Field
Value
Service type
MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQL Server
Region
Iowa (us-central1)
Cloud SQL Edition
Enterprise
Cloud SQL machine
General purpose
SQL instance type
db-standard-2 (2 vCPU, 7.5 GiB RAM), or select the size you need
Storage (Provisioned Amount)
Your expected storage volume (GiB)
Enter Total instance usage time in hours per month.
Review your estimated cost in the Cost details panel.
Round your estimate up and account for growth over your project’s timeline. If your estimate seems unexpectedly high or you are unsure how to configure it, request a Research Cloud Consult .