Expanding the multicloud advantage: Database migration paths into Azure

Match your use case

After mapping AWS services to Azure equivalents, the next step is selecting the right service for your workload. Start by considering the data model (relational, document, key-value), then factor in performance, consistency, and global reach.

• Building AI apps: Generative AI, vector search, advanced analytics.
• Relational workloads: Use Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, or Azure Database for MySQL/PostgreSQL for transactional apps; enable zone redundancy for HA. Review schema compatibility, stored procedures, triggers, and extensions. Inventory all databases, tables, indexes, users, and dependencies before migration. Document any required refactoring for Azure.
• NoSQL workloads: Choose Azure Cosmos DB for globally distributed apps; select the API (No SQL, MongoDB, Cassandra) that matches your existing schema.
• Validate data: Model mapping and test migration in a sandbox environment to ensure data integrity and application connectivity.
• Analytics: For large-scale queries and BI integration, Azure Synapse Analytics offers MPP architecture and tight integration with Azure Data Lake. Inventory all analytics assets, ETL pipelines, and dependencies. Plan for migration using Azure Data Factory or Synapse pipelines. Test performance benchmarks and optimize query plans post-migration.
• Caching: Azure Cache for Redis accelerates app performance with in-memory data and clustering. Update application connection strings and drivers to use Azure endpoints. Implement retry logic and connection pooling for reliability.  Validate cache warm-up and failover strategies.
• Hybrid scenarios: Combine Cosmos DB with Synapse Link (for Synapse as target) or Fabric Mirroring (for Fabric as target) for real-time analytics without ETL overhead. Assess network isolation, security, and compliance requirements. Deploy Private Endpoints and configure RBAC as needed. Document integration points and monitor hybrid data flows.

Factor in security and compliance

• Encryption: Confirm default encryption meets compliance requirements; enable customer-managed keys (CMK) if needed. Enable Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and review encryption for backups and in-transit data.
• Access control: Apply Azure RBAC and database-level roles for granular permissions. Audit user roles and permissions regularly to ensure least privilege.
• Network isolation: Use Private Endpoints within a virtual network to keep traffic off the public internet. Configure Network Security Groups (NSGs) and firewalls for additional protection.
• Identity integration: Prefer Managed Identities for secure access to databases. Integrate with Azure Active Directory for centralized identity management.
• Compliance checks: Verify certifications like GDPR, HIPAA, or industry-specific standards. Use Azure Policy and Compliance Manager to automate compliance validation
• Audit logging and threat detection: Enable audit logging and advanced threat detection with Microsoft Defender for all database services. Review logs and alerts regularly.

Optimize for cost

• Compute tiers: Choose General Purpose for balanced workloads; Business Critical for low-latency and high IOPS. Review workload sizing and adjust tiers as needed for cost efficiency.
• Autoscaling: Enable autoscale for Cosmos DB and flexible servers to avoid overprovisioning. Monitor scaling events and set thresholds to control spend.
• Reserved capacity: Commit to 1–3 years for predictable workloads to unlock discounts. Evaluate usage patterns before committing to reservations.
• Serverless: Use serverless compute for workloads with completely ad hoc usage and low frequency of access. This eliminates the need for pre-provisioned resources and reduces costs for unpredictable workloads.
• Monitoring: Use Azure Cost Management and query performance insights to optimize spend. Set up budget alerts and analyze cost trends monthly. Include basic resource monitoring to detect adverse usage patterns early.
• Storage and backup costs: Review storage costs, backup retention policies, and configure lifecycle management for backups and archives.

Data migration from AWS to Azure

Migrating your data from AWS to Azure is a key step in replicating your app’s database layer for Azure Marketplace. The goal is a one-time transfer—after migration, your app runs fully on Azure.

• Azure Database Migration Service (DMS): Automates migration from RDS, Aurora, or on-prem to Azure Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, Azure Database for MySQL/PostgreSQL, and SQL Server on Azure VM (for MySQL/PostgreSQL/SQL Server). Supports online and offline migrations; run pre-migration assessments and schema validation.
• Azure Data Factory: Orchestrates data movement from DynamoDB, Redshift, or S3 to Azure Cosmos DB or Synapse. Use mapping data flows for transformations and data cleansing.
• MongoDB migrations: Use the online migration utility designed for medium to large-scale migrations to Azure DocumentDB. Ensure schema compatibility and validate performance benchmarks before cutover.
• Cassandra migrations: Use Cassandra hybrid cluster or dual write proxy for Azure Managed Instance for Apache Cassandra. Validate schema compatibility and test migration in a sandbox environment.
• Offline transfers: For very large datasets, use Azure Data Box for secure physical migration. Plan logistics and security for device handling.
• Migration best practices: Schedule migration during a maintenance window, validate data integrity post-migration, and perform cutover only after successful data validation & verifications.

Final readiness before marketplace listing

• Validate performance: Benchmark with real data and confirm chosen SKUs deliver required throughput and latency. Test application functionality under expected load and validate query performance for all critical scenarios.
• Lock down security: Ensure RBAC roles, Private Endpoints, and encryption meet compliance requirements. Review audit logs, enable threat detection, and verify access controls for all database and storage resources.
• Control costs: Verify autoscaling, reserved capacity, and cost alerts are active. Review storage and backup policies, and set up budget alerts for ongoing cost control.
• Enable monitoring: Set up dashboards for query performance, latency, and capacity. Configure alerts for failures, anomalies, and capacity thresholds. Monitor with Azure Monitor and Log Analytics for real-time operational insights.
• Documentation and support: Update migration runbooks, operational guides, troubleshooting documentation, and escalation contacts for post-migration support.

Key Resources

1. SaaS Workloads - Microsoft Azure Well-Architected Framework | Microsoft Learn
2. Metered billing for SaaS offers in Partner Center 
3. Create plans for a SaaS offer in Microsoft Marketplace 
4. Get over $126K USD in benefits and technical consultations to help you replicate and publish your app with ISV Success 
5. Maximize your momentum with step-by-step guidance to publish and grow your app with App Advisor