Best Practices for Azure Migrate: SQL Server with Heavy Dependencies (No Test Environment, Lift-and-Shift, VMware)

Hi @Tahir Ghalib ,

Goodday!

Recommendation: Use IaaS (Azure VM) for Now For your current scenario, it is strongly

recommended to migrate the SQL Server as-is using Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS). This approach supports a lift-and-shift migration with minimal disruption, requires no code changes, and preserves all SQL Server features such as SQL Agent, cross-database queries, and custom configurations. Azure Migrate fully supports rehosting from VMware to Azure VMs, making it the most practical and low-risk option in your case.

 PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) – Not Ideal Right Now Azure SQL Database or Azure SQL Managed Instance (PaaS options) offer many long-term benefits such as automatic patching, backups, high availability, and auto-scaling. However, they require some level of refactoring or feature compatibility checks, which is not suited for your current no-test, critical-production environment. You can consider transitioning to PaaS later once the workload is stable in Azure and time allows for re-architecture.

 Pros of IaaS (Lift-and-Shift to Azure VM) Full control over the OS and SQL Server instance.

 No application or database changes required.

 Supports all existing features and configurations.

 Fastest way to move to Azure using Azure Migrate.

 Easier rollback/failback if something goes wrong.

 Cons of IaaS You are responsible for managing OS patches, SQL updates, backups, and high availability.

 Limited scalability and automation unless manually configured.

 Potentially higher long-term costs if not optimized after migration.

  Best Practices from Microsoft (Without a Test Environment)

 1.Use Azure Migrate to discover and assess your SQL Server VM from VMware.

 2.Enable dependency mapping to identify all services, ports, and applications connected to the SQL Server.

 3.Carefully size the Azure VM based on performance and storage needs.

 4.Use Premium SSDs for database disks to maintain performance.

 5.Leverage the Azure Hybrid Benefit to save on licensing costs.

 6.Run a test migration during off-hours or using snapshots (if possible).

 7.Ensure monitoring and backup are configured immediately after cutover using Azure Monitor and Azure Backup.

 Step-by-Step Migration Using Azure Migrate

 1.Create an Azure Migrate project in the Azure portal.

 2.Deploy the Azure Migrate appliance on-premises to discover VMware VMs.

 3.Perform an assessment to check readiness and recommend sizing.

 4.Configure replication settings, including storage, network, and availability.

 5.Perform a test migration (optional but recommended) for validation.

 6.Execute the final cutover once validated.

 7.After migration, validate application connectivity, SQL Server services, and database performance.

 8.Set up Azure Backup, Log Analytics, and monitoring alerts post-migration.

 Handling Dependency Mapping and Post-Migration Validation

 1.Use Azure Migrate Dependency Visualizer before migration to map application/service relationships with SQL Server.

 2.After migration, use Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Network Watcher to validate live application connections and monitor errors.

 3.Update DNS records or connection strings if necessary.

 4.Ensure all dependent applications are working correctly and without timeout or login issue

Refer below MS documents for more information: -

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/virtual-machines/windows/performance-guidelines-best-practices-checklist?view=azuresql

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/migrate/concepts-dependency-visualization?view=migrate-classic&utm_source

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/monitor-tune-overview?view=azuresql

Please let me know if you face any challenge here, I can help you to resolve this issue further

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