Aug 2024 Feature Recap: Azure PostgreSQL Flexible Server

Hello Azure Community,

This August, Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server received a great update that made it even better and easier to use. We introduced new security features, enhanced monitoring capabilities, and improved the way you set up and manage your database. Let’s take a quick look at what’s new this month.

1. Reserve pricing availability for Intel and AMD V5 SKUs
2. Support for the latest Postgres minor versions
3. postgres_protobuf extension support
4. Postgresql_anonymizer(anon) extension support
5. Ansible module update
6. Update DNS records with changes to personal endpoints
7. TimescaleDB Extension Support in Migration Services
8. Support for migration to Burstable SKUs on Flexible servers
9. LangChain documentation improvements

Reserve pricing availability for Intel and AMD V5 SKUs

We are excited to announce that reservations are now available for V5 SKUs (Intel and AMD) in Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server. Reserve compute resources in advance to save significantly over pay-as-you-go pricing options. Choose a 1-year or 3-year plan and save up to 65% on compute. Check out the Reservations pane in the Azure Portal to see how much you can save in different pricing tiers and regions. Reserved instances help you predict and manage your budget more effectively.

For more information, see: Reservation Price Document For Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server.

Support for the latest Postgres minor versions

Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server now supports new minor versions: 16.4, 15.8, 14.13, 13.16, and 12.20. These updates, which occur automatically during scheduled maintenance, ensure that your database is running on the most secure and efficient version available. This update includes important security patches and over 55 bug fixes.

For more information, see: PostgreSQL Community Announcement About the new minor version.

postgres_protobuf extension support

The latest version (0.3.1) of the `postgres_protobuf` extension has been released. This extension is designed to convert protobuf columns to and from JSON, making data usage more flexible within the database. It is an open source tool that extends the functionality of the database.

Learn more about this extension and others. Extended Documentation page.

Postgresql_anonymizer(anon) extension support

The `postgresql_anonymizer` extension, also known as the anon extension, is now available in version 1.3.2. This tool provides an additional layer of data protection by masking or anonymizing sensitive data directly within the database.

To learn more about this extension, please visit: PostgreSQL Anonymizer Documentation.

Ansible module update

The Ansible Galaxy azure_rm_postgresqlflexiblerserver module has been updated to now support up to 16 major PostgreSQL version distributions. This is an expansion from the previous maximum of 13 versions, allowing you to manage your database environment more flexibly using automation tools.

For more information, visit Ansible. azure.azcollection module documentation.

Update DNS records with changes to personal endpoints

Whenever private endpoint configuration is updated in Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server, DNS records are now automatically adjusted to reflect these changes. This ensures that your connection settings are always in sync with your network configuration.

For more information, see: Flexible Server Documentation with Private Links.

TimescaleDB Extension Support in Migration Services

The PostgreSQL Migration Service now supports database migration using the TimescaleDB extension without having to convert time series tables to regular tables. This update facilitates direct migration of specialized time series data.

For a more detailed guide on this feature, check out: Migration Service Tutorial.

Support for migration to Burstable SKU of Flexible Server

You can now migrate your workloads directly to the Burstable SKU of Flexible Server. Currently in preview in Western Europe and coming soon globally. This feature is ideal for workloads that require flexible performance scaling.

Click here to learn more about this feature. Burstable SKU Documentation.

LangChain documentation improvements

Building GenAI apps with Azure Database for Postgres and LangChain is easier than ever! We’ve updated the LangChain documentation to include how users can use Azure Database for PostgreSQL as a vector store for GenAI applications.

For more information, please check here. Microsoft | Langchain Also, check out our previous blog for full details on LangChain support. End-to-end example.

conclusion

Finally, this month’s updates make Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server even better and more user-friendly. Use these new features to improve how you manage and secure your databases. We value your feedback and are always working to improve our services. Stay tuned for more updates!