Azure migration FAQs

Moving servers, databases, file storage and applications from on-premises hardware, co-location or another provider into Microsoft Azure. Most migrations "rehost" servers to Azure virtual machines first, then modernise selected workloads to managed services.

Typically 4–8 weeks for 1–10 servers, 6–16 weeks for 11–50 servers, 3–6 months for 51–200 servers and 6–12 months for large estates or full data-centre exits.

Indicative UK one-off costs are around £5k–£20k for 1–10 servers, £20k–£75k for 11–50 servers and £60k–£250k+ for 51–200 servers, before Microsoft funding and excluding VAT. Monthly Azure costs depend on sizing and licensing. See the cost guide.

Minimal. Servers replicate to Azure in the background, and the final cut-over is a planned window, usually minutes to a few hours and often out of hours.

Azure provides encryption, identity controls, threat protection and extensive compliance certifications. Security depends on configuration, which is why every migration starts with a secure landing zone.

Yes. Azure has two UK regions, UK South (London) and UK West (Cardiff). Production, backups and disaster recovery can all stay in the UK.

Yes. Azure Hybrid Benefit lets you apply Windows Server and SQL Server licences with Software Assurance to Azure, which significantly reduces running costs.

Extended support ends on 12 January 2027. Servers then need paid Extended Security Updates on-premises, or they can run in Azure where ESUs are included at no extra cost.

No. SQL Server 2016 reached end of extended support on 14 July 2026. Running it in Azure provides Extended Security Updates at no extra charge while you plan an upgrade.

Azure VMware Solution is fastest and keeps vSphere. Native Azure VMs remove VMware licensing and usually cost less long term. Many organisations use both. See VMware to Azure.

For eligible organisations, yes. Through Azure Accelerate, Microsoft can fund partner work and provide Azure credits. A qualified partner must nominate the project. See Microsoft funding.

Not usually for smaller organisations. A site-to-site VPN is enough for most. ExpressRoute provides a private, dedicated connection for organisations needing guaranteed bandwidth or lower latency.

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