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Modernize databases

Move SQL Server and open-source databases to managed Azure services, choosing Azure SQL Managed Instance, Azure SQL Database, SQL Server on Azure VMs, Azure Database for PostgreSQL or Azure Cosmos DB by compatibility, control and scale needs.

The problem

Self-managed databases tie teams to patching, backups, high availability and hardware refresh cycles. Upgrades get postponed, and new application needs such as global scale or vector search for AI features are hard to add to an aging estate.

The choice of target is not obvious: the more managed the service, the fewer engine and operating system features you control.1

The approach

  1. Assess: Azure Migrate, which Microsoft describes as a free service, discovers servers and databases and produces readiness, right-sizing, cost and dependency assessments.
  2. Pick a target per workload:
    • Azure SQL Managed Instance: almost full SQL Server engine compatibility; Microsoft recommends it for most migrations to the cloud.
    • Azure SQL Database: managed database for modern cloud apps, with serverless, Hyperscale and elastic pool options.
    • SQL Server on Azure VMs: full control of the engine and operating system for apps that need it.
    • Azure Database for PostgreSQL flexible server: community PostgreSQL with zone-redundant high availability options.
    • Azure Cosmos DB: NoSQL and vector database for globally distributed, high-throughput apps; Microsoft lists analytics (OLAP) and highly relational apps as poor fits.
  3. Migrate: Azure Database Migration Service supports online migration to SQL Managed Instance and SQL Server on Azure VMs with minimal downtime, and offline migration to Azure SQL Database. For PostgreSQL, Microsoft names the migration service or pg_dump and pg_restore for offline moves.
  4. Connect to analytics: Azure SQL Database and Azure Cosmos DB can be mirrored into Microsoft Fabric OneLake.

When a simpler route is enough: under a hard deadline, rehosting on SQL Server on Azure VMs keeps the environment the same and defers redesign. Azure Hybrid Benefit can apply existing SQL Server licenses to all three Azure SQL products.123456

Conceptual architecture

Modernize databases: conceptual architectureData & analyticsCloud & hybridinfrastructureExisting SQL Server, PostgreSQL and NoSQL databases: Source workloads to moveExisting SQLServer,…Azure SQL Managed Instance: Managed instance with high SQL Server compatibilityAzure SQLManaged…Azure SQL Database: Managed database for cloud appsAzure SQLDatabaseAzure Database for PostgreSQL flexible server: Managed community PostgreSQLAzureDatabase for…Azure Cosmos DB: Global NoSQL and vector storeAzure CosmosDBMicrosoft Fabric mirroring: Replicates operational data to OneLake for analyticsMicrosoftFabric…Azure Migrate: Discovery, readiness, sizing and cost assessmentAzure MigrateAzure Database Migration Service: Online or offline data movementAzure Database MigrationServiceSQL Server on Azure VMs: Full engine and OS controlSQL Server on Azure VMs
Diagram as a list

  1. Data & analytics

    • Existing SQL Server, PostgreSQL and NoSQL databasesSource workloads to moveConnects to Azure Migrate
    • Azure SQL Managed InstanceManaged instance with high SQL Server compatibilityConnects to Microsoft Fabric mirroring
    • Azure SQL DatabaseManaged database for cloud appsConnects to Microsoft Fabric mirroring
    • Azure Database for PostgreSQL flexible serverManaged community PostgreSQL
    • Azure Cosmos DBGlobal NoSQL and vector storeConnects to Microsoft Fabric mirroring
    • Microsoft Fabric mirroringReplicates operational data to OneLake for analytics

  2. Cloud & hybrid infrastructure

    • Azure MigrateDiscovery, readiness, sizing and cost assessmentConnects to Azure Database Migration Service
    • Azure Database Migration ServiceOnline or offline data movement
    • SQL Server on Azure VMsFull engine and OS control
Conceptual: one common way to arrange the parts, not a required design.1

Technologies and their roles

  • Azure SQL1

    SQL Server targets

    Managed Instance, SQL Database and SQL Server on Azure VMs cover the range from managed to full control.

  • Azure Database for PostgreSQL3

    PostgreSQL target

    Runs community PostgreSQL, so existing applications need little refactoring.

  • Azure Cosmos DB4

    Global and AI-ready NoSQL

    Stores embeddings with operational data and offers multi-region writes.

  • Microsoft Fabric1

    Analytics without ETL

    Mirroring brings operational data into OneLake for reporting and data science.

What you need first1

  • An inventory of databases with size, version, dependencies and downtime tolerance
  • Network connectivity from source to Azure (VPN or ExpressRoute for private targets)
  • A target decision per database, recorded with the reason
  • Test plans for application compatibility and performance after cutover
  • License review, including whether Azure Hybrid Benefit applies

Risks and how to reduce them

Features used on-premises are missing in the target1
Check compatibility early; SQL Database lacks some SQL Server features such as CLR, while Managed Instance supports it.
Long downtime during cutover5
Use online migration to Managed Instance or SQL Server on VMs where supported.
Choosing Cosmos DB for relational or analytical work4
Microsoft suggests Azure SQL for highly relational apps and Fabric for analytics.
Regional capacity limits3
Check regional availability; some PostgreSQL regions temporarily block new zone-redundant high availability deployments.

Related

Sources

  1. What is Azure SQL? (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Vendor-reported
  2. About Azure Migrate (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Vendor-reported
  3. What is Azure Database for PostgreSQL flexible server? (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Vendor-reported
  4. Azure Cosmos DB overview (Unified AI Database) (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Vendor-reported
  5. What is Azure Database Migration Service? (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Vendor-reported
  6. What is Microsoft Fabric (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Vendor-reported

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