On-Premise SQL Server Database Migration to Azure SQL Managed Instance

As part of its cloud modernization strategy to transition critical on-premise SQL Server databases to the Microsoft Azure cloud, a data center solutions provider required a flexible, cost-effective solution for migrating its SQL Server DBs to Azure SQL Managed Instance (MI) with minimal downtime.

Client Challenges and Requirements

• Client needed an efficient process for migrating 15 critical databases with over 1TB of data from on-premise SQL Server to Azure SQL MI with minimal business disruption.
• Need for automation scripts and user guide for migration to be automated and performed independently.
• Ensuring a smooth and online migration while reducing any potential disruptions and downtime.
• Maintain data integrity and application compatibility of migrated DBs.

Bitwise Solution

• Conduct detailed pre-migration assessment of on-premises SQL Server databases.
• Develop a 2-phase solution approach of Phase 1 for targeted migration of critical databases to Azure SQL MI and Phase 2 for migrating remaining databases.
• Provide detailed assessment reports with capacity and compute requirements and tier recommendations to achieve optimal performance on the cloud.
• Accelerate migration using the Azure Database Migration Service (ADMS), a comprehensive tool specifically designed for a seamless transition to Azure.
• Deploy the CloudBerry backup tool to transfer database backup files to a dedicated storage container every 15 minutes, facilitating the migration process.
• Employ Bicep scripts to streamline the deployment of essential Azure resources (Azure SQL MI, ADMS, Storage Account and Virtual Machine).
• After cutover, leveraged Bitwise Data Validation utilities and custom T-SQL scripts to accelerate the process to compare and report the success of data migration.

Tools & Technologies We Used

Key Results

Achieved optimal data security through Azure’s advanced features (encryption, access control, regular security updates)

Alleviated the burden of maintaining hardware and software infrastructure by enabling pay-as-you-go cloud model

Delivered superior application performance due to faster data access in Azure