Azure - Import a database directly into SQL Azure using SSMS

This process uses SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to upload a database directly into an Azure SQL Server instance.

Open SSMS and log on to the local SQL Server

In 'Object Explorer', right-click the database you wish to export and select  Tasks > Deploy Database to Microsoft Azure SQL Database.

Click 'Next'.

In the 'Deployment Settings', click 'Connect' to connect to your Azure instance.  If necessary, change the database settings (these should pick up the default settings for the server so may not need altering).

In the 'New database name' field, provide a suitable name for the new database.

Click 'Next' then 'Finish' to start the export.

This process may take some time to complete.

Completion of the export process is confirmed by a green icon.  Any steps which fail have a red icon.  Clicking on the 'Result' hyperlink will show additional details.