[i_like_waiting]

Yeah, its true that they are using MSSQL.

Based on link you provided, I calculated that 40gb memory would be $290 and 80gb $570 per month (in UK).

So price seems still quite steep, considering that same specs on-site would be ~$2000 one off. (8 months return on investment).

Then for this server, I honestly don't believe its easier to do maintenance in cloud, as you need to do lots of initial configuration there (be it IAM, permissions, firewall etc. ) compared to have it just in local network