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Migrating On-Premises SQL Server to Azure - Overview

Costa Rica

GitHub brown9804

Last updated: 2025-04-23


List of References (Click to expand)
Table of Contents (Click to expand)

Important

  1. Determine the version of the on-premises SQL Server: This will guide the migration path. For example, SQL Server 2016 or newer has more migration options compared to older versions.
  2. Linked Servers: Check if there are any linked servers
    • Azure SQL Database does not support linked servers.
    • Azure SQL Managed Instance supports linked servers.
    • SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS) supports linked servers.
  3. Plan Integration: Use Azure Logic Apps, Power Automate, or custom APIs for integration with SharePoint Online.

Step 1: Assess the Current Environment

  • Determine the SQL Server Version: This will guide the migration path and options available.
  • Evaluate Migration Methods: Based on the SQL Server version, choose the appropriate migration method.
  • Consider High Availability: If using AlwaysOn Availability Groups, ensure compatibility with SQL Server and Windows Server versions.

Determine the version of the on-premises SQL Server

SQL Server Version Support Status Migration Options Considerations High Availability Options
SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 End of Support: These versions are no longer supported by Microsoft, which means no security updates or patches. - Azure SQL Managed Instance: Provides a fully managed instance with high compatibility.
- SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines: Allows you to run older SQL Server versions in a VM.
Upgrading to a newer version before migration is recommended for better support and features. N/A
SQL Server 2012 Extended Support: Limited support with security updates. - Azure SQL Managed Instance: High compatibility with on-premises SQL Server.
- SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines: Suitable for maintaining the same SQL Server version.
Evaluate the benefits of upgrading to a newer version for enhanced features and support. N/A
SQL Server 2014 Mainstream Support: Still within mainstream support but nearing end of life. - Azure SQL Managed Instance: High compatibility and managed service.
- SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines: Full control over the SQL Server instance.
Consider upgrading to SQL Server 2016 or newer for better migration options. N/A
SQL Server 2016 and Newer Full Support: These versions are fully supported with regular updates and patches. - Azure SQL Database: Suitable if no linked servers are required.
- Azure SQL Managed Instance: Supports linked servers and high compatibility.
- SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines: Full control and flexibility.
These versions offer the most flexibility and features for migration. - AlwaysOn Availability Groups: Supported for seamless migration.
- Failover Cluster Instances: Supported for high availability.

Migration Methods Based on SQL Server Version

  1. Backup and Restore

    • Supported Versions: All versions.
    • Description: Take a backup of the on-premises database and restore it in Azure SQL Managed Instance or SQL Server on Azure VM.
    • Considerations: Simple method but may involve downtime.
  2. Database Migration Service (DMS)

    • Supported Versions: SQL Server 2005 and newer.
    • Description: Use Azure Database Migration Service to migrate databases with minimal downtime.
    • Considerations: Recommended for larger databases and mission-critical applications.
  3. Transactional Replication

    • Supported Versions: SQL Server 2008 and newer.
    • Description: Set up transactional replication to synchronize data between on-premises SQL Server and Azure SQL Database or Managed Instance.
    • Considerations: Suitable for continuous data synchronization with minimal downtime.
  4. AlwaysOn Availability Groups

    • Supported Versions: SQL Server 2012 and newer.
    • Description: Add an Azure VM to the availability group and perform a failover.
    • Considerations: Requires SQL Server 2016 or newer and Windows Server 2016 or later for multi-subnet configurations.
  5. BACPAC Files

    • Supported Versions: SQL Server 2008 and newer.
    • Description: Export the database schema and data to a BACPAC file and import it into Azure SQL Database.
    • Considerations: Suitable for smaller databases but may not be reliable for large or complex databases.

Step 2: Options Based on Linked Servers

Scenario Options Description, Benefits, Considerations, and Integration
If Linked Servers Exist - Azure SQL Managed Instance (PaaS)
- SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS)
- Azure SQL Managed Instance: Near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, minimal changes required, higher cost, use Azure Logic Apps or Power Automate for integration.
- SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines: Full control over the SQL Server instance, requires VM management, use custom APIs or Azure Logic Apps for integration.
If No Linked Servers - Azure SQL Database (PaaS)
- Azure SQL Managed Instance (PaaS)
- SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS)
- Azure SQL Database: Fully managed, reduces management overhead, may require schema changes, use Azure Logic Apps or Power Automate for integration.
- Azure SQL Managed Instance: Near 100% compatibility, minimal changes required, higher cost, use Azure Logic Apps or Power Automate for integration.
- SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines: Full control over the SQL Server instance, requires VM management, use custom APIs or Azure Logic Apps for integration.

If Linked Servers Exist

Azure SQL Managed Instance (PaaS)

A fully managed instance of SQL Server that provides near 100% compatibility with the latest SQL Server on-premises.

  • Benefits:
    • Minimal changes required to migrate.
    • Supports SQL Server Agent and other SQL Server features.
    • Reduces administrative overhead as Microsoft handles patching, backups, and monitoring.
    • Built-in high availability and disaster recovery options.
    • Easily scalable to meet growing data and performance needs.
  • Considerations:
    • Higher cost compared to Azure SQL Database.
    • The migration process can be complex and may require careful planning and execution.
  • Integration with SharePoint Online:
    • Use Azure Logic Apps to create workflows that automate data exchange.
    • Use Power Automate to create flows that connect Azure SQL Managed Instance with SharePoint Online.
    • Develop custom APIs to facilitate data exchange between the two services.
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS)

Running SQL Server on a virtual machine in Azure, providing full control over the SQL Server instance.

  • Benefits:
    • Full control over the database and OS.
    • Suitable for applications requiring specific SQL Server features.
    • Supports linked servers, SQL Server Agent, and other advanced SQL Server features.
    • Ability to customize the environment to meet specific requirements.
  • Considerations:
    • Requires management of the VM, including patching, backups, and high availability.
    • More complex to manage compared to fully managed services like Azure SQL Database or Managed Instance.
    • Potentially higher operational costs due to the need for VM management and maintenance.
  • Integration with SharePoint Online:
    • Develop custom APIs to facilitate data exchange between SQL Server on Azure VM and SharePoint Online.
    • Use Azure Logic Apps to create workflows that automate data exchange.
    • Use Power Automate to create flows that connect SQL Server on Azure VM with SharePoint Online.

If No Linked Servers

Azure SQL Database (PaaS)

A fully managed relational database service that handles most database management functions such as upgrading, patching, backups, and monitoring without user involvement.

  • Benefits:
    • Reduces management overhead.
    • Built-in high availability and scalability.
    • Simplifies database management with automatic updates and scaling.
  • Considerations:
    • May require some changes to your database schema or application code.
  • Integration with SharePoint Online:
    • Use Azure Logic Apps to create workflows that automate data exchange.
    • Use Power Automate to create flows that connect Azure SQL Database with SharePoint Online.
Azure SQL Managed Instance (PaaS)

A fully managed instance of SQL Server that provides near 100% compatibility with the latest SQL Server on-premises.

  • Benefits:
    • Minimal changes required to migrate.
    • Supports SQL Server Agent and other SQL Server features.
    • Reduces administrative overhead as Microsoft handles patching, backups, and monitoring.
    • Built-in high availability and disaster recovery options.
    • Easily scalable to meet growing data and performance needs.
  • Considerations:
    • Higher cost compared to Azure SQL Database.
    • The migration process can be complex and may require careful planning and execution.
  • Integration with SharePoint Online:
    • Use Azure Logic Apps to create workflows that automate data exchange.
    • Use Power Automate to create flows that connect Azure SQL Managed Instance with SharePoint Online.
    • Develop custom APIs to facilitate data exchange between the two services.
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS)

Running SQL Server on a virtual machine in Azure, providing full control over the SQL Server instance.

  • Benefits:
    • Full control over the database and OS.
    • Suitable for applications requiring specific SQL Server features.
    • Supports linked servers, SQL Server Agent, and other advanced SQL Server features.
    • Ability to customize the environment to meet specific requirements.
  • Considerations:
    • Requires management of the VM, including patching, backups, and high availability.
    • More complex to manage compared to fully managed services like Azure SQL Database or Managed Instance.
    • Potentially higher operational costs due to the need for VM management and maintenance.
  • Integration with SharePoint Online:
    • Develop custom APIs to facilitate data exchange between SQL Server on Azure VM and SharePoint Online.
    • Use Azure Logic Apps to create workflows that automate data exchange.
    • Use Power Automate to create flows that connect SQL Server on Azure VM with SharePoint Online.

Integration with SharePoint Online

  • Azure Logic Apps: Automate workflows to facilitate data exchange between Azure SQL Database and SharePoint Online using built-in connectors and triggers.
  • Power Automate: Create flows to connect Azure SQL Database with SharePoint Online using pre-built templates and connectors.
  • Custom APIs: Develop custom APIs for tailored data exchange solutions, providing flexibility and control over the integration process.
Azure Logic Apps

Azure Logic Apps is a cloud-based service that allows you to automate workflows and integrate apps, data, services, and systems.

  • Use Case: Automate data exchange between Azure SQL Database and SharePoint Online.
  • How It Works:
    1. Create a Logic App: Start by creating a new Logic App in the Azure portal.
    2. Define Triggers: Set up triggers that initiate the workflow. For example, a trigger could be a new item added to a SharePoint list or a new row inserted into an Azure SQL Database table.
    3. Add Actions: Define actions that the Logic App should perform. Actions can include reading data from Azure SQL Database, transforming the data, and then writing it to SharePoint Online.
    4. Connectors: Use built-in connectors for Azure SQL Database and SharePoint Online to facilitate the data exchange.
    5. Error Handling: Implement error handling and retries to ensure the workflow runs smoothly even if there are temporary issues.
  • Example: A Logic App that triggers when a new row is added to an Azure SQL Database table, retrieves the data, and creates a new item in a SharePoint Online list.
Power Automate

Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow) is a service that helps you create automated workflows between your favorite apps and services to synchronize files, get notifications, collect data, and more.

  • Use Case: Create flows to connect Azure SQL Database with SharePoint Online.
  • How It Works:
    1. Create a Flow: Start by creating a new flow in Power Automate.
    2. Define Triggers: Set up triggers that initiate the flow. For example, a trigger could be a new item added to a SharePoint list or a new row inserted into an Azure SQL Database table.
    3. Add Actions: Define actions that the flow should perform. Actions can include reading data from Azure SQL Database, transforming the data, and then writing it to SharePoint Online.
    4. Connectors: Use built-in connectors for Azure SQL Database and SharePoint Online to facilitate the data exchange.
    5. Templates: Utilize pre-built templates to quickly set up common workflows.
  • Example: A flow that triggers when a new item is added to a SharePoint Online list, retrieves the data, and inserts it into an Azure SQL Database table.
Custom APIs

Custom APIs allow you to develop tailored solutions for specific integration needs, providing flexibility and control over the data exchange process.

  • Use Case: Develop custom APIs for data exchange between Azure SQL Database and SharePoint Online.
  • How It Works:
    1. Develop API: Create a custom API using a programming language such as C# or Python. The API should handle data retrieval, transformation, and insertion.
    2. Host API: Host the API in a suitable environment, such as Azure App Service or Azure Functions.
    3. Authentication: Implement secure authentication mechanisms, such as OAuth, to ensure that only authorized users and applications can access the API.
    4. Endpoints: Define endpoints for the API that allow for CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations on the data.
    5. Integration: Use the API to facilitate data exchange between Azure SQL Database and SharePoint Online. The API can be called from Logic Apps, Power Automate, or directly from client applications.
  • Example: A custom API that retrieves data from an Azure SQL Database table, processes the data, and updates a SharePoint Online list.

Tip

Summary of Options:

Option Description Key Features Integration with SharePoint Online
Azure SQL Database (PaaS) Suitable if no linked servers are required. - Supports transactional replication.
- Reduces management overhead.
- Built-in high availability and scalability.
Use Azure Logic Apps or Power Automate for integration with SharePoint Online.
Azure SQL Managed Instance (PaaS) Supports linked servers. - Supports both availability group and transactional replication methods.
- Near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server.
- Built-in high availability and disaster recovery options.
Use Azure Logic Apps or Power Automate for integration with SharePoint Online.
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS) Provides full control over the SQL Server instance. - Supports linked servers and all SQL Server features.
- Suitable for applications requiring OS-level access.
- Full control over the database and OS.
Use custom APIs or Azure Logic Apps for integration with SharePoint Online.

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