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Migration and Modernization: Unlocking Value by Migrating On-Premises Databases to Azure

Introduction

As organizations embrace digital transformation, migrating on-premises databases to the cloud becomes a strategic imperative. Azure, Microsoft’s cloud platform, offers compelling benefits for SQL Server DBAs (Database Administrators) seeking to optimize costs, enhance security, and drive innovation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ROI, innovation opportunities, and cost savings associated with migrating SQL Server workloads to Azure. Let’s dive in!

ROI and Cost Optimization

Real Business Value

Migrating to Azure SQL Managed Instance and Azure SQL Database can yield impressive returns. Organizations can expect up to a 406 percent return on investment over three years. Additionally, a 30-percent reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO) over five years translates to significant savings. For instance, protecting an additional $6.85 million in annual revenue becomes feasible.

Windows Server and SQL Server Workloads

A separate study found that migrating both Windows Server and SQL Server workloads to Azure generates even more value. By optimizing costs, operations, and business opportunities, companies gained $15.85 million in total annual benefits. Simultaneously, IT (Information Technology) security efficiency increased by 43 percent through cloud tools and automation.

Streamlined Productivity and Innovation

A Smooth Path to Migration

Migrating to a cloud platform is a critical step toward modernization. Azure SQL’s unique feature is that it’s built on the same engine, regardless of deployment location. This consistency allows DBAs to leverage their existing SQL experience while benefiting from Azure’s layered security, intelligent threat detection, and robust data encryption.

Azure SQL Managed Instance: Next-Gen GP

For those seeking the full Platform as a Service (PaaS) experience, Azure SQL Managed Instance offers significantly improved performance and scalability. It empowers mission-critical SQL workloads, making it an attractive option for DBAs aiming to modernize their infrastructure.

Edge Computing and Centrally Managed Benefits

Azure also provides hybrid solutions that bridge on-premises and cloud resources. Whether it’s Azure Virtual Machines or Azure Stack HCI, DBAs can choose the right approach for their specific needs. Edge computing capabilities further enhance agility, enabling data processing closer to the source.

Benefits

Migrating SQL Server databases from on-premises to the Azure cloud offers several compelling benefits:

  1. Cost Savings: By moving to Azure, you can reduce capital expenses associated with hardware, storage, and network infrastructure.
  2. Operational Efficiency: Azure SQL Database eliminates the need for managing physical servers, maintenance, and upgrades. This streamlines operations, allowing DBAs to focus on higher-value tasks.
  3. Agility and Scalability: Azure provides flexible scaling options. You can easily adjust resources based on workload demands, ensuring optimal performance without overprovisioning.
  4. Improved Time to Value: Migrating to Azure enables faster development and deployment of applications.

Moving SQL Server databases to Azure cloud enhances cost-effectiveness, agility, and overall operational efficiency.

Conclusion

In summary, migrating on-premises databases to Azure is more than a technical shift—it’s a strategic move that unlocks value. DBAs can achieve cost savings, enhance security, and position themselves for future innovations. So, embrace the cloud, automate tasks, and propel your organization toward a more efficient and resilient future.

Contact Performance Once Data Solutions at 888-690-DATA for assistance!

Background

A large automotive plant operator has been using a custom application framework to build an application integral to their operations. Originally built using JDK8 and JBoss4 against an Oracle database, the application received periodic updates, with the last major update in 2020/2021. In 2024, the client and Performance One Data Solutions, a division of Ross Group Inc., embarked on a joint effort to upgrade the technology stack to enhance performance, security, and maintainability.

Objectives

The primary goals of the project were:

  1. Upgrade the Custom Application Framework from JDK8 to JDK21.
  2. Upgrade the jQuery integration to release 3.7.1.
  3. Upgrade the application to run on Wildfly 30 from Wildfly 11.
  4. Migrate the database backend from Oracle 12 to Microsoft SQL Server 2020.

Challenges and Solutions

Framework and Database Migration:

  • Challenge: The application framework was vetted against Microsoft SQL Server but was not deployed in a major application.
  • Solution: Performance One refactored the framework to conform to Java 9+ standards and regression-tested it against Microsoft SQL Server 2020.

Application Refactoring:

  • Challenge: Refactoring the client application to compile and run using the new tech stack.
  • Solution: Performance One took a copy of the client application and refactored it to compile and launch using JDK21, Wildfly 30, and Microsoft SQL Server.

Data Migration:

  • Challenge: Migrating data from Oracle to Microsoft SQL Server.
  • Solution: Performance One provided migrated data and created installation scripts to upgrade the client’s Microsoft SQL Server.

Report Conversion:

  • Challenge: Converting BIRT and Crystal reports against Microsoft SQL Server.
  • Solution: Performance One converted the reports and ensured they worked with Microsoft SQL Server.

Project Timeline

Initial Milestones:

    1. Complete Framework upgrade to JDK21/Wildfly 30.
    2. Provide migrated data from Oracle to Microsoft SQL Server.
    3. Regression test the application framework against Microsoft SQL Server 2020.
    4. Refactor the client’s application to compile and launch using the new tech stack.
    5. Create installation data script for Microsoft SQL Server compliance.
    6. Regression test the application installation processes.
    7. Make recommendations for unused application features.
    8. Validate and upgrade application code.

Additional Tasks

  • Database Procedures Conversion: Performance One converted the client’s database procedures, functions, and views to Microsoft SQL Server.
  • Report Migrations: Ongoing conversion of BIRT and Crystal report development.
  • Application Enhancements: Upgrading client’s application screens for jQuery 3.7.1, file attachment uploads, and integration with scanner devices using web sockets.
  • Server Maintenance: Wildfly server maintenance, release builds, and deployment handling, with a transition plan for client resources post-go-live.

Conclusion

Performance One Data Solutions partnered with the client to upgrade the technology stack, ensuring improved performance and maintainability. The collaboration between Performance One and the client team demonstrated effective problem-solving and adaptability, setting a strong foundation for future upgrades and enhancements.

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