Advancing the Role of SQL Server DBA in the Era of AI: Becoming an Azure SQL DBA - Part2

50+50 minute session for SQLBits 2026Friday - 24 Apr 2026 - 15:10 - 16:00 Room 2B

TL; DR

Learn how to transition from a traditional SQL Server DBA to an Azure SQL DBA in the AI era by understanding which tasks to retain or delegate to the cloud, mapping core DBA responsibilities to Azure SQL, and using Copilot and AI tools to boost productivity and focus on higher-value work.

Session Details

This session will guide you through the journey of evolving your DBA role from managing on-premises SQL Server databases to becoming Azure SQL DBA in the era of AI.

You will learn which responsibilities to retain, which to share with Microsoft, and how to use the freed-up time to build cloud and AI skills. We will cover Azure SQL architecture across key areas such as high availability, BCDR, backup and restore, performance, connectivity, and map them directly to traditional SQL Server DBA responsibilities. You will also learn how to leverage Copilot and AI capabilities that can significantly boost DBA productivity.

Meet the product team behind these solutions to ask questions, share feedback, and learn about the upcoming roadmap.

3 things you'll get out of this session

• Evolve from on-premises SQL Server DBA to Azure SQL DBA
• Map traditional DBA responsibilities to Azure SQL architecture
• Leverage Copilot and AI tools in Azure, SSMS, and Azure Arc

Dr. Dani Ljepava's other proposed sessions for 2026

Advancing the Role of SQL Server DBA in the Era of AI: Becoming an Azure SQL DBA - Part1 - 2026

Ask Me Anything: Migrating On-Prem SQL Server to Azure SQL – Real-World Experience - 2026

Simplify management of hybrid and multi-cloud SQL Server using Azure Arc - 2026

Meeting DBAs Where You Are: Simplifying SQL Server Migration with SSMS and Azure Arc - 2026

Dr. Dani Ljepava's previous sessions

Return ticket from SQL Managed Instance to SQL Server – One-Click Reverse Migration and DR

The demo showcases new capabilities of setting up hybrid link from SQL Managed Instance to SQL Server 2022, reverse migrating online, setting up transparent connection routing, and more. You can decide if your primary is either Azure SQL Managed Instance or SQL Server. Use it a Disaster Recovery solution, or for offloading R/O workloads on the secondary. Learn how to take advantage of the best integrated hybrid experience between SQL Server and SQL Managed Instance.

Discover what's new in Azure SQL Managed Instance through an exciting Demo Party!

Let us review the latest and the greatest investment that Microsoft has made into the Azure SQL Managed Instance, the product that serve as the best target for the existing SQL Server migration into Azure PaaS.

Advancing the DBA's Role in the Cloud: In the Cockpit of Azure SQL Managed Instance

Join us to learn how DBA role has evolved from on-premises SQL Server DBA to Azure SQL DBA and what does it mean to you. You will learn how existing on-premises DBA responsibilities map to new DBA role in Azure, what are the new shared responsibilities in Azure, and opportunities for skill development helping you become Azure SQL DBA superstar.

Modern models of managing database fleets in Azure PaaS.

Discover how Azure PaaS offerings can help you improve the overall management of SaaS applications, virtualize your environment and improve the overall management of the solutions at scale.

Strahinja Rodic's other proposed sessions for 2026

Advancing the Role of SQL Server DBA in the Era of AI: Becoming an Azure SQL DBA - Part1 - 2026

Best Practices for SQL Database Backup Configuration, Immutability, and Ransomware Protection - 2026

Building the Backbone of Agentic AI: A Unified Data Strategy with Microsoft Fabric - 2026

New in modern Developer Experiences in SQL - 2026

SQL + AI: Building Agentic Apps with SQL MCP Server + AI Foundry - 2026