Azure Arc Now Offers Real-Time Migration Assessments for SQL Server
New tools in Azure Arc streamline SQL Server migration planning with automated assessments and cost insights.
Key Takeaways:
- Microsoft introduces continuous migration assessments for SQL Server via Azure Arc.
- New tools simplify cloud planning and reveal detailed cost breakdowns.
- Instant insights and flexible comparisons streamline migration decisions.
Microsoft has announced the general availability of continuous migration assessments for SQL Server enabled by Azure Arc. The company has also rolled out several enhancements to help organizations simplify their cloud migration planning, offer clear cost insights, and deliver greater flexibility.
Azure Arc is a service that extends Azure’s management and governance capabilities to infrastructure and applications running outside of Azure (whether on-premises, in other public clouds, or at the edge). It allows customers to manage servers, Kubernetes clusters, databases, and more through the Azure Portal.
“SQL Server enabled by Azure Arc, automatically produces an assessment for migration to Azure. This assessment plays a vital role in the success of your cloud migration and modernization journey. Azure Arc simplifies the discovery process and readiness assessment for migration,” Microsoft explained.
New tools to simplify cloud migration planning
Microsoft has introduced a refreshed landing page and detailed views for single Arc SQL Server instances. Customers can now view retail pricing information for all Azure Savings Options, including SQL Azure Hybrid Benefit (AHB), Windows AHB, Reserved Instances, and Azure Savings Plans. This feature applies to Azure SQL Database, Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure VMs.
Administrators can now view the projected cost split by Compute and Storage for each configuration, which uses fixed USD pricing for the West US region. Moreover, all prices for savings are automatically calculated, which helps to reduce manual input and errors. Users can adjust settings and instantly see updated costs.
Smart migration strategy recommendations for IT admins
Microsoft mentioned that IT admins can also view migration strategy-based recommendations in the portal besides the chosen pricing settings. This release eliminates the need for manual comparisons. Administrators can now compare migration scenarios and costs with just a few clicks.
Microsoft notes that the new migration assessment experience in SQL Server enabled by Azure Arc gives customers accurate, instant insights to make cloud migration decisions easier. To assess the SQL Server, the SQL Server instance needs to run on a Windows-based SQL Server instance that is connected to Azure. It should also have Azure Extension for SQL Server (WindowsAgent.SqlServer) version 1.1.2594.118 or later.
Rabia has a master's degree in Software Engineering and she has years of experience writing professionally about Microsoft products and other technologies. Rabia has also written for OnMSFT.com as well as Windows Report. She is always up to date on t...
