What do you need to check in Azure? How do you compare the services that your applications are currently using on-premises?
What problems might you encounter, and what precautions should you take during the migration process from on-premises to Azure?
This blog provides answers to all the above questions, offering a foundational understanding. I am writing this after successfully migrating several microservices applications to Azure within a span of 3 months.
Migrating applications from on-premises to Azure can be a complex process, but with careful planning and understanding of both your current infrastructure and the services available in Azure, you can make the transition smoother. This blog aims to provide you with a foundational understanding of what to check in Azure, how to compare services between on-premises and Azure, the problems you might face, and key considerations during the migration process.
Documenting the Current On-Premises Infrastructure and Azure Services
Before starting the migration, it is crucial to document your current on-premises infrastructure and map out the Azure services that will be used according to your application use case.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through this process:
1. Microservices with Artifact Builds
For microservices with artifact builds, consider using:
Azure App Service: This is a fully managed platform for building, deploying, and scaling web apps.
Azure DevOps Artifacts: Use this for storing and managing your build artifacts.
Azure Service Fabric: This is a distributed systems platform that makes it easy to package, deploy, and manage scalable and reliable microservices and containers.
Steps to Consider:
Deployment: Set up continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines for your artifacts.
Monitoring: Use Azure Monitor and Application Insights to track the performance and health of your services.
2. High-Compute Applications
For applications that require high computational power, you should consider:
Azure Virtual Machines (VMs): These provide scalable computing resources. Choose the appropriate VM size based on your application's compute requirements.
Azure Batch: This service allows you to run large-scale parallel and high-performance computing (HPC) batch jobs.
Azure Functions: If your compute tasks can be split into smaller, discrete tasks, consider using Azure Functions for serverless computing.
Steps to Consider:
Performance: Evaluate the performance of different VM sizes and types.
Scaling: Plan for auto-scaling to handle varying computational loads.
Cost Management: Use Azure Cost Management tools to monitor and optimize compute costs.
3. Microservices with Docker Builds
If your applications are microservices and have Docker builds, you need to consider:
Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS): This is a managed Kubernetes service that simplifies deploying, managing, and scaling containerized applications using Kubernetes.
Azure Container Apps: This service is designed for running microservices and containerized applications without needing to manage complex infrastructure.
Azure Container Registry (ACR): Use this for storing and managing container images.
Azure DevOps: For CI/CD pipelines to automate the deployment process of your microservices.
Steps to Consider:
Compatibility: Ensure your Docker images are compatible with AKS.
Configuration: Configure your AKS cluster, including networking, scaling, and monitoring.
Security: Implement proper security measures for your container images and Kubernetes cluster.
Problems You Might Face
During the migration process, you may encounter several challenges, including:
Downtime: Minimizing downtime during the migration process.
Data Transfer: Efficiently transferring large amounts of data to Azure.
Compatibility Issues: Ensuring that applications and services are compatible with Azure.
Security: Maintaining security and compliance during and after the migration.
Cost Management: Keeping track of and optimizing costs associated with Azure services.
Key Considerations During Migration
Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of your current infrastructure and applications.
Planning: Develop a detailed migration plan, including timelines, resources, and responsibilities.
Testing: Test your applications thoroughly in the Azure environment before going live.
Training: Ensure your team is trained and familiar with Azure services and best practices.
Support: Utilize Azure support services and resources to assist with the migration process.
By carefully documenting your current infrastructure, understanding the Azure services that align with your application needs, and addressing potential challenges, you can successfully migrate your applications to Azure and take full advantage of the cloud's scalability, flexibility, and performance.
Stay tuned for more detailed insights and tips on each step of the migration process in the upcoming sections of this blog series.