Database Cloud Modernization
Cloud Modernization for Microsoft SQL Server
Modernize SQL Server on Azure with the right balance of compatibility, performance, security and cost.
Service Overview
Microsoft SQL Server carries an enormous share of enterprise workloads, and much of it is running on aging hardware, out-of-support versions, or licensing models that no longer make financial sense. Azure offers three distinct landing zones — SQL Server on Azure VM for full control, Azure SQL Managed Instance for near-complete compatibility with minimal administration, and Azure SQL Database for cloud-native applications — and choosing the right one is the single most important decision in the modernization.
Our pathway starts by assessing exactly what you run: version and edition inventory, performance baselines, licensing posture, and the compatibility findings that determine which Azure target fits each workload. From there we design the target architecture — network, identity, backup, monitoring, and security — pilot the migration against a nonproduction environment, and only then execute the production cutover with synchronization, validation, and hypercare.
The result is a SQL Server estate with managed availability, built-in disaster recovery, modern security features like Transparent Data Encryption, and a predictable cloud operating model — without the end-of-support risk hanging over on-premises deployments.
A Practical, Phase-Wise Modernization Pathway
Professional-services pricing
Discover & Assess
Starting at $4KInventory, performance baseline, licensing, compatibility and migration blockers.
Design & Prepare
Starting at $6KAzure target architecture, network, identity, backup, monitoring and security.
Pilot & Validate
Starting at $8KNonproduction migration, application testing, performance comparison and runbook.
Migrate & Cut Over
Starting at $15KProduction migration, synchronization, validation, cutover and hypercare.
Optimize & Modernize
Starting at $10KHA/DR, TDE, monitoring, tuning, automation and cost optimization.
Pricing shown in USD for professional services only. Cloud consumption, licensing, third-party tools and taxes are separate.
Packages & Pricing
Accelerator Offer
SQL Server to Azure Accelerator
$29,500 starting
Scope is confirmed after assessment and workload sizing.
Get StartedOngoing Managed Service
Microsoft SQL Server Managed Operations
$3,000–$8,000/month
Monitoring and alerting, backup verification, patching coordination, performance tuning, capacity planning, and expert support — after the migration is done.
Ask About Managed ServicesBusiness Outcomes
Who This Is Best For
Organizations running aging SQL Server estates, facing end-of-support risk, performance issues or cloud mandates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Azure option is right for my SQL Server workloads?
It depends on compatibility and control requirements. SQL Server on Azure VM gives full OS-level control, Azure SQL Managed Instance offers near-complete engine compatibility with far less administration, and Azure SQL Database fits cloud-native applications. Our Discover & Assess phase maps each of your workloads to the right target.
How much downtime should we expect during migration?
For most estates, cutover downtime is limited to a planned maintenance window measured in minutes to a few hours. We use synchronization and replication techniques to keep the source and target aligned, rehearse the cutover during the Pilot & Validate phase, and keep a tested rollback plan ready.
What does the SQL Server to Azure Accelerator include?
The accelerator is a fixed-scope package starting at $29,500 that bundles the modernization pathway for a defined workload set. Exact inclusions are confirmed after the assessment and workload sizing, so the price reflects your actual estate rather than a generic estimate.
Can you help with SQL Server licensing on Azure?
Yes. Licensing is a first-class part of the assessment — including Azure Hybrid Benefit eligibility, license mobility, and whether pay-as-you-go or bring-your-own-license is more economical for each workload.
What happens after the migration is complete?
The Optimize & Modernize phase hardens the new environment — HA/DR, Transparent Data Encryption, monitoring, tuning, and cost optimization. From there, our managed service ($3,000–$8,000/month) covers ongoing monitoring, backups, patching, performance tuning, and support.
Other Databases We Modernize
Get Started
Ready to modernize your Microsoft SQL Server estate? Start with a Cloud Modernization Assessment.
Talk to an Expert