Public Preview: Integrating Azure SQL Database with External REST

Recognized Microsoft MVP Davide Mauri celebrates the progression of Azure SQL Database's REST endpoints integration from its Early Adopter Preview staged in May to its current status as a Public Preview. The system's stored procedure, famously known by its label, sp_invoke_external_rest_endpoint, is available to any user of Azure SQL Database. Its usage is not limited to now but extends into future creations as well.

Davide Mauri provides a practical example of using sp_invoke_external_rest_endpoint. Here, he declares a REST endpoint, such as an Azure Function, with a simple line of code, mentioning that the procedure also supports GraphQL queries. He demonstrates results from calling an Azure Function with information on local eateries.

However, the Azure Function is not the only service compatible with this procedure. Mauri lists other Azure services that can be synchronized with sp_invoke_external_rest_endpoint, among which include Azure App Service Environment, Azure Static Web Apps, Azure Logic Apps, PowerApps / Dataverse, and Azure Cognitive Services, among others.

Besides calling an Azure Function, Mauri points out the procedure's versatility with several other potentials. Example scenarios include integrating with Azure Event Hubs and Azure Event Grids for enhanced data management, executing a DAX query using Power BI, and invoking REST endpoints globally via API Management integration. Other exciting possibilities discussed feature sending notifications directly from Azure SQL DB and data enrichment using AI and ML models via Azure Cognitive Services.

If you wish to know more about sp_invoke_external_rest_endpoint, including the new requirement for security permission, the support for Managed Service Identities, and more, Mauri suggests reviewing the official documentation. For quick start users, he recommends a GitHub Repo filled with samples under the title "azure-sql-db-invoke-external-rest-endpoints".

Synopsis and Crabbing for More:

Azure SQL DB's external REST endpoints integration is an evolutionary step towards more efficient data management solutions. Capable of integrating with a host of Azure services, the upgraded procedure, sp_invoke_external_rest_endpoint, broadens the scope for users to leverage REST endpoints for more dynamic applications. Notable applications involve integrating with Azure Event Grids and Hubs, syncing with Power BI, and invoking REST endpoints globally.

Read the full article Azure SQL Database External REST Endpoints Integration Public Preview

Learn about Azure SQL Database External REST Endpoints Integration Public Preview

Learning about the integration of REST endpoints with Azure SQL Database is quite exciting. An example of the service announcement published on November 16th, 2022, introduced users to a powerful built-in stored procedure known as sp_invoke_external_rest_endpoint. This procedure permits interaction with a variety of Azure services including Azure Functions and Logic Apps, Container Instances, Event Grid, and many others, further enhancing the versatility and respond patterns of your solutions.

Now before we delve into the specifics of the integrated features, it's crucial to understand the concept of Azure SQL Database. In a nutshell, it's a fully-managed platform as a service that provides SQL Server engine compatibility on the Azure platform. It's perfect for modern cloud applications that require fully automated features like patching, backups, and monitoring without human intervention.

With the sp_invoke_external_rest_endpoint, users can connect with a REST endpoint, like an Azure Function. You can establish this connection using just a simple code. This strengthens the integration between Azure cloud services and Databases, facilitating more user-friendly and responsive solutions. The benefits are immense, from integrating with Event Hubs, executing a DAX query via Power BI, to invoking any REST endpoint globally through API Management. It also allows enriching of data using AI and ML models, especially in detecting anomalies, via the integration with Azure Cognitive Services.

• Integration with Event Hubs and Event Grid for push data.
• Executing DAX query through Power BI.
• Invoking any global REST endpoint with API Management.
• Using AI and ML models with Azure Cognitive Services for data enrichment.

You might be thinking, how do you start using this feature after reading all about it here, right? Microsoft provides an official documentation which details all you need to know about sp_invoke_external_rest_endpoint. It also includes information about the newly added security permission to use it, and the support for Managed Service Identities, crucial for hassle-free deployment and services integration. In addition, there is a GitHub Repository filled with samples to help you start using the feature right away. This will fuel your practical experience.

Finally, once you're acquainted with the features of this exciting integration, it's always good to give your feedback on how you've used it, what you liked, and how you'd like to see it develop. Microsoft is always receptive to user feedback. There are platforms like the Azure SQL and SQL Server feedback portal where users can contribute their requests and help prioritize future development directions. Expressing your ideas will help refine the service according to user needs, making you part of the development process.

In summary, expanding your skill set on Azure SQL Database and sp_invoke_external_rest_endpoint feature will enhance your inventory of tech-know-hows. It's a powerful tool that opens up an array of opportunities and allows you to create more responsive solutions for your end-users. Training courses that offer practical exercises and utilize real-world scenarios are most beneficial in truly understanding the potential of this powerful feature.

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