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Azure Migration

Updated Nov 22, 2020 ·
NOTES

This is not an exhaustive documentation of all the existing Azure Services. These are summarized notes for the Azure Certifications.

To see the complete documentation, please go to: Azure documentation

Migration to Azure​

Migrating to the cloud involves big changes across people, processes, and technology. It’s not just a one-time move; it’s about ongoing refinement and optimization. Here’s how to break it down:

  • Planning

    • Evaluate your current setup and applications.
    • Set clear migration goals and strategies.
    • Identify potential challenges and risks.

  • Implementation

    • Follow through with the migration plan.
    • Test applications post-migration to ensure everything works well.
    • Tackle any issues that arise during the move.

  • Operations

    • Keep refining and optimizing your cloud environment.
    • Monitor performance and manage costs.
    • Ensure ongoing security and compliance.

Integration Strategies​

Choosing the right integration strategy depends on your specific needs. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Lift and Shift

    • Move your existing workloads with minimal changes.
    • It’s a quick fix but might not leverage all cloud benefits.

  • Refactoring

    • Make some adjustments to enhance scalability and performance.
    • Requires moderate effort to adapt your applications for the cloud.

  • Rearchitecting

    • Redesign your workloads to fully utilize cloud features.
    • This involves more work but offers the greatest cloud benefits.

  • Rebuilding

    • Start fresh in Azure, which is best for outdated apps needing a major overhaul.
    • It’s the most effort-intensive but offers a modern setup.

Hybrid Connectivity​

Hybrid solutions help connect on-premises systems with Azure, offering a smooth integration experience:

  • VPN

    • Establishes a secure connection over the internet to link on-premises systems with Azure.
    • Ideal for temporary setups or less critical needs.

  • ExpressRoute

    • Provides a private connection between on-premises data centers and Azure.
    • Bypasses the public internet for better speed and reliability.

  • Azure Virtual WAN

    • Simplifies connecting branch offices and automates network management.
    • Enhances scalability and flexibility in hybrid environments.

Azure Migrate​

Azure Migrate is your go-to tool for a smooth migration process:

  • Assessment

    • Analyzes your on-premises environment for migration readiness.
    • Provides estimates for sizing and costs in Azure.

  • Guidance

    • Offers a centralized dashboard to manage your migration tasks.
    • Gives recommendations and insights to help you through the process.

Azure Site Recovery​

Azure Site Recovery ensures you can recover quickly during a disaster:

  • Protection and Replication

    • Automates replication of virtual machines to Azure.
    • Ensures your services can be restored quickly during outages.

  • Failover and Failback

    • Supports switching to Azure during disruptions and reverting back once resolved.
    • Allows for customizable recovery plans tailored to your needs.

Azure Database Migration Service​

Makes database migration to Azure simpler and less disruptive:

  • Migration Support

    • Handles migration from various database sources with minimal downtime.
    • Provides continuous synchronization to keep things running smoothly.

  • Assessment Tools

    • Offers tools to evaluate your databases for migration.
    • Ensures a secure and compliant transition.

Migration Best Practices​

Here are some key tips to make your migration smooth and efficient:

  • Assessment

    • Review your current infrastructure to spot challenges and decide on the best strategy.
    • Start with smaller applications or data sets to get familiar with the process.

  • Testing

    • Test migrated applications thoroughly to ensure they perform well.
    • Address any issues to optimize performance.

  • Phased Approach

    • Migrate in stages to manage risks and ensure a smooth transition.
    • Keep security a priority throughout the process.

Post-Migration​

Keep an eye on your cloud environment even after the migration:

  • Expense Tracking

    • Track spending to stay within budget.
    • Adjust resources and configurations as needed.

  • Team Upskilling

    • Train your team to make the most of Azure’s features.
    • Encourage continuous learning and adaptation to new tools and practices.