This is a warning for everyone who is planning to test SQL Server 2016 - Stretch Database. The wizard is very very straightforward: a bunch of steps allow to configure this feature.
The problem is that the wizard does not allow, at the moment, to choose the Pricing Profile on Azure. I had a bad surprise a couple of days ago. I've configured a single table on a Test Database, to be stretched on Azure: a one int column table with 1000 records, 90% on Azure. It was December 29, 2016. I've performed my tests, I've run every script to look at how the whole infrastructure respond to queries. Then I went on vacation, thinking that my stretch database was aligned to my test subscription pricing profile... And I was terribly wrong.
On January 10, 2017 I've received the usual email, about Azure invoice: I've opened the last invoice and instead of the usual amount, there were 600€ more for my Stretch Database!!! Thanks God I was seated...
Using SQL Server 2016 wizard, Stretch Database on Azure is automatically configured as a Premium Service (without any warning or chance to change Service level, except from Azure Portal) and is priced something like 2€ per hour, that leads to 600€ in 12 days...
So be careful if you are going to test Stretch Database and if you will have the same issue, the right thing to do is open a ticket on your Azure Subscription explaining what has happened: they will check your subscription activity and, in my case, the whole amount was removed from the invoice.
