Microsoft has detailed a couple of improvements to the way Azure SQL Database handles failovers in case of an outage. It works with individual databases, elastic pools, or a combination of both.

The company's Transparent Data Encryption option, borrowed from SQL Server, is now generally available as part of numerous upgrades to its cloud database platform.

Paychex explains why it bet on Microsoft's cloud database and AI services. On Monday, Microsoft also announced Azure SQL Database Hyperscale.