Microsoft is removing all Linux-based SQL Server VM images from the Azure Marketplace. The Redmond giant said these images will no longer be available in the Azure SQL hub, CLI, Azure Portal, or PowerShell scripts for new virtual machine (VM) provisioning. The deprecation is expected to start soon and be finished over the next couple of months, during which time images may be unavailable. For those with existing deployments using old images, these should continue working properly.
During the transition, Microsoft recommends that customers planning new deployments use manual installation. This process involves creating a basic Linux Virtual Machine first via Azure Portal, CLI, or PowerShell and then following the official SQL Server installation documentation (RHEL, SLES, Ubuntu).
The reason for the removal of the VMs from the Azure Marketplace is that it’s moving to a script-based model. This approach is intended to give you more flexibility, automation, and control. Future script-based provisioning will allow customers to choose their preferred supported Linux distribution, select SQL Server version/edition, configure licensing, and customize deployment parameters through VM extensions. Microsoft said this script-based provisioning is coming soon.
The change impacts all provisioning methods: Azure SQL hub, CLI, Azure Portal, and PowerShell scripts. Existing images were the standard for easy and quick deployment of SQL Server on Linux in Azure. The new transitionary manual method and upcoming script-based method support RHEL, SLES, and Ubuntu. For further updates, keep your eyes peeled to the Azure portal, documentation, and the SQL Server blog, where Microsoft will share more details.
Source: Microsoft