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Azure

SQL Server migration

Move your SQL Server databases to Azure with few to no application code changes.
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Overview

Migrate to the best cloud for SQL Server

Discover trusted migration tools, guidance, and resources—as well as cost-saving opportunities to run SQL workloads in the cloud.
  • Ensure that your data is stored in a more secure and compliant environment and maintain peak productivity with the evergreen SQL offering that never needs to be patched or upgraded—with AI-powered features to optimize performance and security.
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  • With full SQL Server parity and a consistent code base, keep using your on-premises skills and knowledge in the cloud. Save time and resources with migration and app modernization and get guidance on database migration with Azure.
  • Maximize existing investments in on-premises licenses by taking them to the cloud with Azure Hybrid Benefit and combine them with reserved instances for up to 85 percent savings. And, learn more about dev/test pricing and up to three free years of extended security updates.
  • Rely on expert migration support with Azure Migrate and Modernize and Azure Innovate. Take advantage of free migration tools such as Azure Migrate to discover and assess your on-premises migration readiness and Database Migration Service to move your on-premises databases to Azure.
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Services

Learn more about products and services for SQL Server migration

Azure Migrate

A central hub of Azure cloud migration tools and services to discover, assess, and migrate workloads to the cloud.
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Azure Database Migration Service

A tool that helps you simplify, guide, and automate your database migration to Azure.
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Azure Migrate and Modernize and Azure Innovate

Simplify your migration and modernization with best practices, unique savings, and access to engineers and specialized partners.
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Azure SQL

The family of SQL cloud databases providing flexible options for application migration, modernization, and development.
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Pricing

Optimize costs with Azure SQL family of database services

Build intelligent apps that scale with database services built for the cloud—with AI-powered features that maintain peak performance and durability.
See Azure SQL pricing
Resources

Documentation and resources

  1.

Windows n-tier application on Azure with SQL Server (virtual machines or managed instances)

Use Azure SQL to build a resilient and scalable application environment with separate tiers, allowing for fewer outages and quicker diagnosis.
Learn more

Loan credit risk with SQL Server (SQL virtual machines)

Using SQL Server with machine learning services, a lending institution can make use of predictive analytics to reduce the number of loans they offer to those borrowers most likely to default.
Learn more

Scalable Sitecore marketing website (SQL Database)

Scale a marketing website with access to the data, integrated tools, and automation capabilities you need to actively engage with customers throughout their life cycle.
Learn more
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Frequently asked questions

  • Azure SQL is a family of fully managed, secure, and intelligent SQL database services, built upon the same SQL Server engine. With Azure SQL, you can rehost SQL workloads on SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines, modernize existing applications with Azure SQL Managed Instance, and support modern cloud applications with Azure SQL Database. You can manage your entire portfolio through a consistent and unified Azure portal experience.
  • There are three primary considerations for selecting the right Azure SQL service for your requirements: your overall objective, the extent to which you require operating system (OS) access or control, and the version of SQL Server you prefer. If you require control of the underlying OS due to compliance or software dependencies and prefer to remain on your current version of SQL Server, then rehosting to SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines would be your best option. If, however, OS control is not a requirement and you prefer to be on the latest “versionless” SQL Server, then modernizing your existing applications or supporting modern cloud applications on fully managed solutions like Azure SQL Database or Azure SQL Managed Instance would be optimal.
  • First, use Azure Migrate to download and install Data Migration Assistant. This tool generates assessment reports that identify requirements before migration, and it recommends target migration SKUs in Azure. Then, use the Database Migration Service to migrate your database to your selected destination.
  • Azure Migrate and Modernize and Azure Innovate are Azure offerings to accelerate cloud adoption—with expert help to transform your business, wherever you are in your cloud journey. Take advantage of our offerings to make Azure work for you and learn how to save costs, create market value, and deliver AI-powered innovation for your business. 
  • Azure Hybrid Benefit is a pricing benefit that helps you save on cost while optimizing your hybrid environment by applying your existing Windows Server and SQL Server licenses, or Linux subscriptions to Azure Hybrid Benefit.
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Next steps

Choose the Azure account that’s right for you

Get started with SQL Server on Azure today. Pay as you go or try Azure free for up to 30 days. There’s no upfront commitment—cancel anytime.
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