I am currently looking into moving a SQL Server 2008 database into the cloud. Most likely either Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure.
I have read various places the SAP supports AWS, but not Azure. Is this correct?
I have several users who have Crystal Reports installed on their local workstations connected to the on-premise database via ODBC. I want to move the database to the cloud, but still allows the users to run Crystal Reports from for the database. Is is possible to configure an ODBC connection from their local workstations to the hosted SQL Server database? I am thinking another alternative is to bring a snapshot of the database down from the cloud to their local PC's. What are my options for accomplishing this? Please use simplest terms possible as I am not familiar with code development, SQL administration, etc. I am just trying to get an overall picture of how this would work if possible.
Thank you.