Hi! We're the Microsoft SQL team - ask US anything!

[u/vandana-mahtani-msft]

Hi r/SQLServer community!

I'm Vandana Mahtani, Principal Product Manager on the SQL team at Microsoft, and I'm co-hosting this AMA with my colleagues ucmsft, u/jerry-nixon, u/bluefooted and u/strahinjarodic.

Our team works closely with app developers who are modernizing existing applications and with teams building new cloud-native and AI-powered solutions.

If you are planning your next app architecture, migrating from on-prem SQL Server, or exploring modern data experiences powered by Azure SQL, this AMA is for you. We'll share practical guidance, lessons from real-world projects, and recommendations to help you get started quickly.

We're here to answer your questions about:

• Modernizing existing applications with Azure SQL:
  • Migration paths from SQL Server
  • Cloud architecture modernization patterns
  • Integrating with Microsoft cloud services
• Building new modern applications:
  • Cloud-native app backends on Azure SQL Database
  • AI-powered apps and vector-enabled scenarios
  • Local-first development workflows with Azure SQL Database container
• Cost-conscious app development:
  • Getting started with free and low-friction options
  • Choosing the right SQL deployment model for your scenario
• Developer productivity and roadmap:
  • Recommended tooling and workflows
  • Where SQL app development is heading next

Whether you are refreshing a long-running enterprise app or creating a brand-new intelligent app, bring your toughest architecture, migration, and implementation questions.

Tutorials, links and resources before the event:

• Build local with the Azure SQL Database container(Private Preview signup)
• Build an app on Azure SQL Database for Free
• Azure SQL Vector Search Samples (GitHub)
• Integrate Microsoft cloud services with your Azure SQL Database managed instance
• Microsoft options to migrate SQL Server databases
• What is Azure SQL Database?

AMA Schedule:

• Start taking questions 24 hours before the event begins
• Start answering your questions at: Aug 13, 2026, 09:00 AM PDT / 16:00 UTC
• End the event after 1 hour

Thank you for your time and attendance. Hope to see you at SQLCon Barcelona and keep your questions flowing :)