As cloud technologies continue to evolve, a lot of NZ enterprises are revisiting their cloud infrastructure to meet the changing needs. A lot of businesses using Amazon Web Services (AWS) are migrating to Microsoft Azure for the many cost and agility advantages it offers. For a lot of New Zealand companies, this move aligns with regional data requirements as well. However, a lot of enterprises aren’t sure how to migrate AWS to Azure, and that’s exactly where we come in.
In this blog, API Connects – trusted for cloud migration solutions in New Zealand – lists the primary benefits of migrating to Azure, and also a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth migration. If you are new to cloud migration, this blog is for you!
Why Migrate from AWS to Azure?
While AWS has a bigger market share in the cloud infrastructure market, Azure is quickly catching up. Here are the reasons that make it a compelling choice for businesses looking to scale or shift focus:
Better Integration with Microsoft Tools: For companies that utilize tools like Office 365, Dynamics 365, or Power BI, the experience within Azure is natural with little or no friction, enabling the users to work on all the applications seamlessly without any wastage of resources.
Advanced AI and Machine Learning Capabilities: Azure’s AI and machine learning capabilities include Azure Machine Learning, and Cognitive Services provide comprehensive options for businesses embarking on AI-powered business processes.
Hybrid Cloud Flexibility: Microsoft Azure supports hybrid cloud, which means on-premise and server resources at the same time, enabling organizations to have better management and security of processes.
Cost Optimization and Scalability: Azure has provisions for scaling up with minimal costs, making it possible for businesses to control costs in accordance with the level of use. This is especially beneficial to expanding businesses that need scalable infrastructure.
There are many other advantages that Azure scores over AWS but these are the major ones. Now, let’s look at the migration steps.
AWS to Azure Migration: Step-by-Step Guide
Migrating from AWS to Azure is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to migrate without disrupting your processes and performance:
Assess Current Infrastructure and Requirements
Evaluate the existing AWS architecture and its constituents such as data applications, and workloads in as much detail as possible. Understand the business objectives of the migration such as cost savings and security compliance.
Define Migration Strategy
Choose a migration approach based on your goals. Common strategies include Lift-and-Shift and Replatforming or Refactoring. Each strategy has different implications which means different budgets, timelines, and resources. Thus, it’s important to pick the one which is most suitable for your goals.
Evaluate what workloads are cloud-ready and can be moved directly, and which ones need to be changed in order to operate effectively within the Azure cloud.
Design the Azure Architecture
Create an Azure Cloud design that would provide for your existing operations and future growth targets. For instance, if there is a need for designing a hybrid cloud environment, then, provisions should be made to incorporate relevant services.
Consider networking, security, and data storage requirements, and plan for high availability and disaster recovery.
Set Up Azure Environment
Prepare and provide for the Azure subscription, network configuration security setup, and storage as per the system’s design in hand. Use Azure Migrate for monitoring the migration process, and resource re-organization.
Data Migration
For the efficient transfer of data, utilize Azure Data Migration tools and, if necessary, external resources for larger database volumes or critical importance systems. Perform a test migration with non-critical data to check for issues and confirm data integrity.
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Migrate Applications and Workloads
Start moving application workloads by working closely with your migration team. Make sure that the workloads are tiered based on operational importance in order to reduce risk. Business-critical applications can be moved using Azure Site Recovery to ensure they are up and running post migration even if there is a delay in transferring them.
Testing and Optimization
Conduct rigorous testing to ensure all migrated applications, data, and workflows function correctly in the new environment. Optimize your Azure environment based on performance insights to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Post-Migration Monitoring and Support
Once migration is complete, monitor performance, security, and cost to ensure your new Azure environment meets your expectations. Consider ongoing support from a vendor to manage or optimize workloads as your business needs evolve.
Choosing AWS to Azure Migration Partner
Selecting the right cloud migration provider can ease the process of AWS-to-Azure migration. A certified team of cloud engineers like API Connects has the experience and expertise to lessen downtime, prevent loss of data, and carry out a successful migration.
For almost a decade now, API Connects has been helping NZ-based businesses and enterprises with cloud migration, architecture, and consulting. Our team of cloud migration experts in Auckland works with migration strategies that focus on speed, security, and adherence to local laws.
Here are the major benefits of choosing API Connects for AWS to Azure migration:
Expertise in cloud migration: Engineers at API Connects have vast experience in handling complex AWS to Azure migration projects.
Tailored migration strategies: Tailored data and cloud migration plans are designed around your business’s specific needs and goals.
Proven migration track record: API Connects is widely respected for its cloud migration offerings and expertise in the global IT market.
Consult for AWS to Azure Migration
Migrating from AWS to Azure can unlock new possibilities only if you partner with the right team of migration engineers. While the above is a quick walkthrough of AWS-Azure migration, every organization needs a structured migration plan that ensures minimal downtime, fewer disruptions, and seamless technology migration.
Still got questions to ask about AWS to Azure migration? Send them to enquiry@apiconnects.co.nz and get a quick reply from our team of cloud migration engineers. Have a look at our most popular services: