Migrating to Azure SQL: A Practical Guide for Cloud Migration Success
Cloud migration shouldn’t feel like a leap into the unknown. Yet many organizations struggle with Azure SQL migrations because they lack a clear roadmap from assessment through optimization. Failed migrations often stem from incomplete planning, unrealistic performance expectations, or choosing the wrong deployment model for specific workloads.
This presentation given at PASS Data Community Summit 2025 provides a practical, step-by-step framework for successful Azure SQL migrations. Learn how to assess your environment, select the right purchasing models and service tiers, and execute migrations with confidence. Based on real-world experience from 100+ customer migrations, this guide equips IT leaders with the knowledge to avoid common pitfalls and deliver measurable cloud value.
What You’ll Learn
- Azure SQL deployment options explained – understand when to choose SQL Virtual Machines, Managed Instances, or Databases for your workloads
- Purchasing models and service tiers that balance cost and performance, including DTU versus vCore decision frameworks
- Five-phase migration methodology covering discovery, assessment, migration, cutover, and optimization
- Hands-on demonstrations of deploying Azure SQL Database, working with Azure Storage, and using Azure Data Studio’s migration extension
- Azure Database Migration Service strategies for both online and offline migrations
About the Presenter
JP Chen is a Senior Director and Global Practice Leader of SQL Server Services at Datavail, with over 10 years of Azure expertise. He has guided 100+ organizations through successful cloud migrations to Azure SQL. JP is the author of “Migrating to Azure SQL: A Practical Hands-on Guide for Cloud Migration Success” and has published numerous white papers and blog posts on Azure migration best practices. His experience spans both homogeneous and heterogeneous migrations across enterprise environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Azure SQL Database, Managed Instance, and SQL Virtual Machines?
Azure SQL Database is a fully managed platform-as-a-service (PaaS) option that handles patching, backups, and high availability automatically—ideal for modern applications that don’t require instance-level features. Azure SQL Managed Instance provides near-100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, including features like SQL Agent and cross-database queries, making it the best choice for lift-and-shift migrations. SQL Virtual Machines give you complete control over the SQL Server instance and operating system, suitable for applications requiring specific configurations or third-party software that runs at the OS level.
How do we determine the right service tier and purchasing model for our workloads?
Start by understanding your workload characteristics. The DTU (Database Transaction Unit) model bundles compute, memory, and I/O into pre-configured packages—simple to understand but less flexible.
The vCore model lets you independently scale compute and storage, providing better cost control for variable workloads.
What risks should we plan for during an Azure SQL migration?
The most common risks include application compatibility issues, performance degradation, and extended downtime during cutover. Mitigate these by conducting thorough assessments before migration. Test your applications against Azure SQL in a non-production environment to catch performance issues early. Plan your cutover strategy carefully: online migrations minimize downtime by continuously replicating data, while offline migrations are simpler but require maintenance windows. Also consider network bandwidth constraints when moving large databases, and validate your backup and recovery procedures in Azure before going live.