Managed relational engines
Amazon RDS for MariaDB vs Azure Database for MariaDB
Azure no longer has a managed MariaDB service.
Azure Database for MariaDB retired on Sep 19, 2025, and Microsoft's migration target is Azure Database for MySQL (flexible server). Amazon RDS for MariaDB is still available.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Amazon RDS for MariaDB | Azure Database for MariaDB Retired |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Retired Sep 19, 2025. Remaining servers were deleted, and Microsoft's migration target is Azure Database for MySQL flexible server. |
| What it is | Managed MariaDB Community Server with Multi-AZ deployments, read replicas, and automated backups. | Former managed MariaDB service, built on the older single-server platform. |
| Pricing model | Per instance-hour plus storage, as for other RDS engines. | Not applicable (retired). |
| Docs | Amazon RDS for MariaDB docs | Azure Database for MariaDB docs |
| Pricing page | Amazon RDS for MariaDB pricing | Azure Database for MariaDB pricing |
| Exams | SAA-C03 | AZ-305 |
Key differences
- MariaDB and MySQL have diverged (for example, in JSON handling, system-versioned tables, and some replication features). Test applications against MySQL before moving, or run MariaDB yourself on Azure VMs.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Per instance-hour plus storage, as for other RDS engines. Amazon RDS for MariaDB pricing →
- Azure
- Not applicable (retired). Azure Database for MariaDB pricing →
Certification exam mapping
| Exam | Provider | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate SAA-C03 | AWS | Associate | current Italian version retires after Dec 31, 2026. |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-305 | Azure | Expert | current English version updated Apr 17, 2026. |
Relevance is based on each exam's published scope, not a line-by-line objective match. Check the official study guide.
FAQ
Does Azure have an equivalent to Amazon RDS for MariaDB?
Azure no longer has a managed MariaDB service. Azure Database for MariaDB retired on Sep 19, 2025, and Microsoft's migration target is Azure Database for MySQL (flexible server). Amazon RDS for MariaDB is still available.
How does pricing compare between Amazon RDS for MariaDB and Azure Database for MariaDB?
AWS: Per instance-hour plus storage, as for other RDS engines. Azure: Not applicable (retired). Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03); Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305).