Microsoft's programmes and terms change regularly. This page reflects our understanding as of the date above. We'll confirm the current position for your project during the assessment.
Azure Accelerate
Azure Accelerate is Microsoft's umbrella programme for cloud migration and modernisation. It brought together three earlier programmes, Azure Migrate and Modernize, Azure Innovate and the Cloud Accelerate Factory, under one name in 2025.
What it can include
| Benefit | What it is |
|---|---|
| Partner funding | Microsoft contributes to the cost of a qualified partner's assessment, proof of value or deployment work |
| Azure credits | Credits to offset Azure consumption during and after the migration |
| Cloud Accelerate Factory | Microsoft engineers help deploy a range of Azure services at no extra cost, alongside your partner |
| Expert guidance | Access to Microsoft architects and best-practice tooling |
How eligibility works
- Your migration must fit a supported scenario (for example Windows Server, SQL Server, VMware or data-centre migration).
- Your organisation's size and Microsoft account segment are taken into account.
- A qualified Microsoft partner must nominate the engagement. Customers can't apply directly.
- The project needs a clear plan through assessment, proof of value and deployment.
Savings available on every migration
Even if you don't qualify for Azure Accelerate, these Microsoft benefits reduce costs:
Azure Hybrid Benefit
Reuse your existing Windows Server and SQL Server licences that have Software Assurance (or qualifying subscriptions) in Azure. You then pay only for the underlying compute, which is a significant saving on every eligible VM and database.
Extended Security Updates included in Azure
Older Windows Server and SQL Server versions that are past end of support (such as Windows Server 2012/2016 and SQL Server 2014/2016) can receive Extended Security Updates at no additional cost when running in Azure. On-premises, ESUs are a paid add-on.
Azure Migrate is free
Microsoft's discovery, assessment and server migration tooling, Azure Migrate, has no licence cost for core discovery, assessment and migration. You pay only for the Azure resources you migrate into.
Reservations and savings plans
Committing to one or three years of steady compute usage cuts costs substantially compared with pay-as-you-go. Microsoft quotes up to 72% for reserved VM instances.
How to access funding
- Start with a free assessment so we understand your estate, timeline and drivers.
- We check the likely eligibility of your project against current programme rules.
- If eligible, the project is nominated through the partner channel, and the funding is reflected in your proposal.
- The migration runs as normal, with Microsoft's contribution reducing your cost.
Planning a migration? Get a free assessment covering scope, ballpark cost and funding eligibility.
Get my free assessmentFrequently asked questions
What is Azure Accelerate?
Azure Accelerate is Microsoft's unified investment programme for moving workloads to Azure, launched in 2025. It combines partner funding, Azure credits and access to Microsoft's Cloud Accelerate Factory, where Microsoft engineers help deploy a range of Azure services at no cost alongside your partner.
Who is eligible for Azure Accelerate funding?
Eligibility depends on your organisation's size and Microsoft account segment, the type of migration and the project's expected Azure consumption. The project also has to be nominated by a partner with the relevant Azure Solutions Partner designation or specialisation. We check eligibility as part of the free assessment.
How much funding can we get?
It varies by project scope and expected Azure usage, and Microsoft adjusts programme terms regularly. We'll give you a realistic view once we understand your estate.
Do we have to commit to anything to get funding?
Funded projects are tied to a real migration plan and expected Azure consumption. Funding is not a loan, but it is designed for projects that intend to go ahead.
Is this the same as Azure free credits for start-ups?
No. Start-up and free-account credits are separate offers. Azure Accelerate is aimed at established organisations migrating existing workloads.