Modernize legacy SQL Server environments with minimal disruption using Azure Arc’s new direct migration to Azure SQL Managed Instance (MI).
As hybrid cloud strategies mature, IT leaders face a persistent challenge: SQL Server sprawl. Legacy SQL environments are deeply embedded in on-premises systems, often tightly coupled to critical applications, making dependency mapping and modernization difficult.
Microsoft’s latest Azure Arc enhancement offers a compelling solution: the direct migration of SQL Server databases to Azure SQL Managed Instance (MI) via Azure Arc-enabled servers. This new feature provides a bridge between traditional infrastructure and cloud-native services, giving organizations a powerful way to modernize data estates with minimal friction.
What Is the New Azure Arc SQL MI Migration Capability?
Azure Arc allows organizations to extend Azure services to on-premises and multi-cloud environments. With this new feature, you can now:
- Migrate SQL Server databases directly to Azure SQL MI
- Use Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) and Azure Data Studio for seamless operations
- Conduct assessments, sizing, and migrations from the Azure portal
High-Level Process:
- Run assessments on Arc-enabled SQL Servers
- Collect performance data and get migration recommendations
- Initiate online or offline migrations via DMS
- Monitor migration progress and perform a seamless cutover
Pro Tip: Organizations already leveraging Azure Arc for governance, policy, and inventory can now unify SQL modernization and hybrid management in a single platform.
Why Migrate SQL Databases to Azure SQL MI?
Operational Efficiency
Fully managed PaaS eliminates patching, backups, and manual scaling, freeing IT resources for strategic projects.
Security and Compliance
Inherits Azure’s advanced security features:
- Advanced Threat Protection
- Always Encrypted
- Private Link
Simplifying compliance for CISOs and IT auditors.
Cost Optimization
Consolidate workloads and reduce hardware refreshes.
- Leverage Azure Hybrid Benefit
- Use Reserved Instances for predictable cost savings.
Business Continuity
High availability, geo-replication, and point-in-time restore keep mission-critical workloads resilient.
Cloud-Native Integration
Once in Azure, data can flow into Power BI, Azure Synapse, and AI/ML pipelines, unlocking opportunities for analytics and AI.
Step-by-Step: Migrating SQL Databases Using Azure Arc
| Step | Action | Key Tools |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Inventory & Assess | Register on-prem SQL Servers with Azure Arc and run compatibility & performance assessments | Azure Data Studio Migration Extension |
| 2. Plan Migration Strategy | Decide online (minimal downtime) or offline (lower risk for non-critical systems) | Azure Arc & DMS |
| 3. Configure Azure DMS | Set up Database Migration Service and self-hosted integration runtime for secure transfers | Azure DMS |
| 4. Execute Migration | Start migration from Azure portal or Data Studio, validate data, and perform cutover | Azure DMS |
| 5. Optimize Post-Migration | Fine-tune performance, security policies, and enable Azure Monitor & Defender for SQL | Azure Security & Monitoring |
Sound interesting? Accelerate Your SQL Modernization with eGroup
Modernizing your SQL Server estate doesn’t have to be complex or disruptive. With the new Azure Arc migration capability, you can now put your SQL data in a position to perform. With our deep experience in Azure, Data Platforms, and AI solutions, we can help you modernize your SQL data, model it into information, then present it in an actionable format so that Copilot, Azure AI, or other solutions can accelerate your business.
eGroup is here to help. As a Microsoft Advanced Competency partner, we offer deep expertise in Azure Arc, SQL modernization, and hybrid cloud strategy. Through the new Azure Accelerate program, we can help you:
- Assess and inventory your SQL Servers
- Plan and execute migrations to Azure SQL MI
- Optimize licensing through Azure Hybrid Benefit
- Secure funding and incentives for your migration, where available
Ready to Modernize Your SQL Infrastructure?
Upgrade your legacy SQL Server environment with seamless migrations, stronger security, and cost-optimized cloud performance—all guided by our Azure experts.