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Azure migration · SQL Server

SQL Server migration to Azure

SQL Server migration to Azure moves your databases to Azure SQL Managed Instance, an Azure virtual machine or Azure SQL Database, in UK South or UK West. SQL Server 2016 support ended on 14 July 2026. We start with a free assessment, then recommend a target for each database.

  • SQL Server 2012 to 2025
  • Managed Instance, a VM or Azure SQL Database
  • Licences and downtime planned per database
Get your free assessment Email the team

Is this you?

What you get and how it works

  1. Step 1: Free assessment

    You getScope and ballpark costs, with out-of-support instances flagged.

  2. Step 2: Compatibility assessment

    You getBlockers found, and a recommended target and size for each database.

  3. Step 3: A target for each database

    You getManaged Instance, an Azure VM or Azure SQL Database, with both costs in writing.

  4. Step 4: Online migration and cut-over

    You getA synced copy in Azure to test, then a cut-over in a window you agree.

  5. Step 5: Tune and hand over

    You getTiers checked, Azure Hybrid Benefit applied, documentation, and managed Azure if you want it.

Start with the free assessment

Step one is free. Stop after it if you like.

Why ComputeCloud

Check our work first

  • UK regions by default
  • A target for every database, in writing
  • Honest advice on what not to move

Delivered in partnership with Focus Group, our Microsoft delivery partner.

About us

Start your free assessment

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

Read: your SQL Server 2016 options

We only use your details to send your assessment. Privacy notice

Questions

Email the team
Which Azure SQL option should we choose?

For most line-of-business databases, Azure SQL Managed Instance, which is close to 100% compatible with SQL Server and patched and backed up by Microsoft. Choose an Azure VM for operating-system access, a vendor-certified version or Reporting Services, and Azure SQL Database for new apps.

The three options compared

Does SQL Server 2016 get free security updates in Azure?

No. From SQL Server 2016, Extended Security Updates are paid on Azure VMs and on Azure VMware Solution, as they are on-premises. Upgrading, or moving to Managed Instance, removes the need for them.

How much downtime does a SQL Server migration need?

With an online migration, the source stays in use while Azure keeps a copy in sync, so downtime is the final cut-over. The Managed Instance link supports this from SQL Server 2016 SP3.

Can we reuse our SQL Server licences?

Often. Azure Hybrid Benefit applies to Managed Instance, Azure SQL Database (provisioned vCore) and SQL Server on Azure VMs, for licences with Software Assurance or a qualifying subscription.

Azure Hybrid Benefit for Azure SQL

Who supports SQL Server after the move?

We can. SQL Server support covers health checks, patching and upgrades, backups and DR, and monitoring and fixes, for Azure SQL and SQL Server on Azure VMs, and for any SQL Server you keep on-premises. It's delivered remotely and on-site.

SQL Server support

Sources (13). Facts checked .