Azure SQL migration

✅ From on-prem to Azure SQL: the steps for a successful migration

Migrating on-prem SQL Server to Azure: roadmap for success. A successful migration from SQL Server to Azure requires planning, tooling and choices. In this blog, you’ll discover the phases, tools and pitfalls of an Azure SQL migration.

Introduction

Many organizations are at the tipping point of modernization. On-prem SQL Server workloads are becoming unsustainable due to aging hardware, maintenance costs and limited scalability. Azure SQL offers a powerful, flexible and future-proof solution – but a successful migration requires more than a simple lift-and-shift.

In this blog, we take you through a clear, hands-on roadmap for a smooth transition from on-premises SQL Server to Azure.

Why migrate to Azure SQL?

• ✅ Lower operating costs

• ✅ Fully managed infrastructure (PaaS/IaaS)

• ✅ Better scalable and more secure

• ✅ Faster innovation and data integration (Power BI, Synapse)

Step 1 – Determine assessment & strategy

Start by mapping your existing environment:

• Which databases are mission-critical?

• Which workloads are suitable for Azure SQL Database, Managed Instance or a SQL VM?
  Use tools such as:

• Data Migration Assistant (DMA): identifies compatibility issues

• Azure Migrate: for discovery and dependencies

📌 Tip: document your RTO/RPO requirements, SLAs and compliance requirements.

Step 2 – Choose target architecture

You have three main options in Azure:

Choose based on your technical and functional requirements.

Step 3 – Preparation & optimization

• Update your SQL Server versions as needed

• Clean up unused objects or test data

• Plan maintenance windows and test migration on dev/acceptance

Ensure that indexes, stored procedures and linked servers can be migrated correctly.

Step 4 – Perform migration

Use the right tool for each scenario:

• Database Migration Service (DMS) – minimal downtime (online/offline)

• BACPAC/Backup restore – smaller databases

• Log Shipping of replication – for complex or real-time migrations

Test thoroughly before and after migration:

• Performance

• Security

• Data integrity

Step 5 – Post-migration optimization

• Configure monitoring through Azure Monitor & Log Analytics

• Activate automatic tuning & query store

• Implement RBAC, auditing and backup policies

• Integrate with other Azure services (BI, Synapse, Data Factory)

❌ Common pitfalls

• No test environment or rollback plan

• Poor user communication

• Overestimating lift-and-shift simplicity

• Forgotten license reuse via Azure Hybrid Benefit

🎯 Call to Action

🚀 Are you considering a SQL Server migration to Azure? Get advice from our Azure experts or schedule a quick scan right away atinfo@improfs.nl. Or you can comment below!