LINQ to SQL with SQL Azure

Question

We are investigating moving to a cloud model and the Microsoft Azure PaaS platform.

Our current data layer is written using LINQ to SQL. Will it be compatible with SQL Azure?

Answer 1

Yes LINQ to SQL is compatible. But you have to keep 2 things in mind:

• SQL Azure is not a dedicated machine for you alone. Your databases will run on machines with other customers. You may be throttled, you can encounter transient exceptions, ... That's why you should implement a retry policy. There's an article on TechNet explaining how to do this with LINQ to SQL.
• Since SQL Azure is not a real SQL Server there are some limitations. Read all about those limitations here: General Guidelines and Limitations (Windows Azure SQL Database). If you're planning to move an existing database (with or without data) to SQL Azure, consider using a tool that supports SQL Azure like the SQL Database Migration Wizard (SQLAzureMW).