What does an Elastic Pool in Azure SQL Database do?

An Elastic Pool in Azure SQL Database enables multiple databases to share the same resources, such as memory and data storage. This is particularly beneficial for applications with unpredictable workloads or varying resource demands across different databases. By grouping databases into an Elastic Pool, organizations can optimize resource usage and reduce costs, as resources are allocated dynamically based on the needs of the databases within the pool.

This pooling strategy allows for a more efficient management of resources, ensuring that under-utilized databases can support others that may require more resources at any given time, thereby enhancing performance without the need for each database to independently provision dedicated resources that may remain unused during off-peak times.