# Data centre exit to Azure

URL: https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/data-centre-exit/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> Data centre migration to Azure for UK organisations: leave a server room or co-location contract on a fixed date, with every workload planned and moved.

A data centre exit to Azure moves every workload out of your server room or co-location facility into Microsoft Azure, in UK South or UK West, by a fixed date. We start with a free assessment, then inventory and triage every system, build the Azure foundation and move the rest in waves, so you can hand back the space on time.

- Server rooms and co-location contracts
- Rehost, replatform, replace or retire, per workload
- Microsoft funding checked

## Is this you?

- A co-location contract is ending: [Plan the exit](https://computecloud.co.uk/blog/azure-migration-checklist/)
- Your hosts and storage are due for replacement: [See typical costs](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/cost/)
- Windows Server 2016 still runs in the room: [Windows Server migration](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/windows-server/)
- The room runs on VMware: [VMware to Azure](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/vmware/)

## What you get and how it works

1. **Free assessment.** You get: Scope, ballpark costs, funding and a timeline to your exit date.
2. **Discovery and triage.** You get: Every server, appliance and dependency, each marked rehost, replatform, replace or retire.
3. **Landing zone and connectivity.** You get: A [landing zone](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/landing-zone/), linked to your offices by VPN or ExpressRoute.
4. **Migration waves.** You get: Low-risk systems first, then core systems, each wave tested with a way back.
5. **Decommission and hand back.** You get: Old kit switched off and cleared, and documentation, with [managed Azure](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/managed-services/) if you want it.

## Why ComputeCloud

- UK regions by default
- Every workload accounted for
- Honest advice on what not to move
- Delivered in partnership with Focus Group, our Microsoft delivery partner.

## Start your free assessment

Two fields now, about 2 minutes in all. A specialist then gets in touch.

Start here: https://computecloud.co.uk/assessment/

## Sources

- [Microsoft Learn: Azure Migrate overview](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/migrate/migrate-services-overview)
- [Microsoft Learn: dependency analysis in Azure Migrate](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/migrate/concepts-dependency-visualization)
- [Microsoft Learn: about Azure VPN Gateway](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/vpn-gateway-about-vpngateways)
- [Microsoft Learn: Azure ExpressRoute overview](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/expressroute/expressroute-introduction)
- [Microsoft Learn: what is Azure Local?](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-local/overview)
- [Microsoft Lifecycle: Windows Server 2016](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-server-2016)
- [Microsoft Azure: Frontier Accelerate for Azure](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/solutions/frontier-accelerate/)
- [Microsoft Learn: Azure regions list (UK South, UK West)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/reliability/regions-list)

Facts checked 25 October 2026.

See also: [Guide: Azure migration checklist](https://computecloud.co.uk/blog/azure-migration-checklist/) · [Migration costs](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/cost/) · [Microsoft funding](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/funding/) · [Azure migration services](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/) · [Azure landing zone design](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/landing-zone/) · [Managed Azure](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/managed-services/)

## Frequently asked questions

### How far ahead should we plan a data centre exit?

As soon as you know the date. The plan depends on what discovery finds, and most delays come from systems nobody knew were there. [Azure migration checklist](https://computecloud.co.uk/blog/azure-migration-checklist/)

### What happens to systems that can't move to Azure?

Specialist hardware, telephony and legacy appliances may not move directly. Options include SaaS, edge hardware or Azure Local at a site you keep, or short-term hosting.

### How do our offices connect to Azure afterwards?

Usually a site-to-site VPN, encrypted over the internet. ExpressRoute gives a private connection with more consistent latency, through a connectivity provider.

### Can Microsoft fund a data centre exit?

For eligible projects, Microsoft's Frontier Accelerate for Azure programme can help, through your Microsoft account team or an Azure specialised partner. We check eligibility in the free assessment. [Microsoft funding](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/funding/)

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Get a free Azure migration assessment: https://computecloud.co.uk/assessment/