Azure Migrate - Server Migration - Part 4

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide for migrating physical servers or AWS EC2 instances to Azure, based on the content from the Azure Migrate video series. It simplifies technical concepts and offers practical advice for beginners and developers transitioning to a more architectural role.

Step 1: Prepare for Migration

Before starting the migration process, ensure that you have completed the following preparations:

• Assess Your Current Environment:

  • Inventory all applications and data on the physical server or AWS EC2 instance.
  • Identify dependencies and potential compatibility issues with Azure.

• Set Up Azure Migrate:

  • Create an Azure account if you don’t have one.
  • Set up Azure Migrate in the Azure portal:
    • Navigate to "Azure Migrate" on the dashboard.
    • Click on "Add tools" and select the relevant migration tools for your needs.

Step 2: Conduct a Migration Assessment

A proper assessment is crucial for a smooth migration.

• Use Azure Migrate Assessment Tools:
  • Install the Azure Migrate assessment tool on your on-premises server.
  • Run the assessment to gather insights about the on-premises environment.
  • Review the assessment report to understand:
    • Compatibility with Azure services.
    • Resource sizing recommendations.
    • Cost estimates for running in Azure.

Step 3: Set Up Azure Migration Server

Establish the infrastructure needed for the migration.

• Create a Migration Server:

  • Deploy a new virtual machine (VM) in Azure to act as the migration server.
  • Ensure the VM has adequate resources based on the assessment results.

• Install Azure Migrate Components:

  • Install the Azure Migrate Server Migration tool on the migration server.
  • Register the server with your Azure Migrate project in the Azure portal.

Step 4: Enable Azure Server Replication

To ensure minimal downtime during migration, set up replication.

• Install Azure Mobility Service:

  • On the source server (physical or AWS EC2), install the Azure Mobility Service.
  • This service allows seamless replication of your server data to Azure.

• Configure Replication Settings:

  • In the Azure portal, configure the replication settings for the source server.
  • Monitor the replication progress and resolve any issues that arise.

Step 5: Perform Test Migration

Testing is essential to validate the migration process.

• Run a Test Migration:

  • Initiate a test migration from the Azure portal.
  • Validate that applications and data function correctly in the Azure environment.

• Review Test Results:

  • Check logs and reports for any errors or warnings.
  • Make necessary adjustments based on feedback from the test migration.

Step 6: Complete the Migration

Once testing is satisfactory, proceed to the final migration.

• Initiate the Final Migration:

  • Stop the source server to avoid any data changes during migration.
  • Start the final migration process from the Azure portal.

• Verify Migration Success:

  • After completion, verify that all applications and data have been migrated successfully.
  • Check connectivity and performance in the Azure environment.

Conclusion

Migrating physical servers or AWS EC2 instances to Azure involves careful assessment, preparation, and execution. By following these steps, you can achieve a smooth transition with minimal downtime. Once the migration is complete, consider exploring additional Azure services to optimize your cloud infrastructure. For further learning, stay tuned for the next parts in the Azure Migrate series.