Every few years the office server ages and someone asks the same question: replace it, or move to the cloud? A server to Azure migration is often a good answer, but not always. The right decision comes from looking at your applications, your people and your numbers.
When the cloud is a strong fit
- Your server is nearing the end of its life and replacement is a large one time cost.
- Staff work from several locations and need reliable access.
- You want built in resilience and Azure backup without managing hardware.
- Your demand rises and falls, or you expect to grow.
- You want to reduce time spent on maintenance.
When to be cautious
- A critical application needs very fast access to local equipment, such as machinery or specialised devices.
- Your internet connection is unreliable or slow.
- A vendor does not support running its software in the cloud.
- You already have newly bought hardware with years of useful life.
In these cases a hybrid cloud approach, moving only some workloads, is often the answer.
What the move involves
- Assessment. Inventory servers, data volumes, dependencies and licences.
- Design. Choose sizes, regions, network and security. Many Canadian clients select the Canada Central region.
- Pilot. Move a non critical workload first and measure performance.
- Migration. Replicate and cut over during a planned window, with a rollback option.
- Optimise. Right size and review monthly. Azure cost optimization makes the difference between a predictable bill and a surprising one.
| Option | Strength | Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Replace the server | Familiar, one time purchase | Capital cost, maintenance, single location |
| Move to Azure | Flexible, resilient, remote friendly | Ongoing cost, needs good internet |
| Software as a service | Least to manage | Fit with your workflow |
| Hybrid | Gradual, balances risk | More to coordinate |
Comparing real costs
Compare more than the server price. Include power, cooling, backup, replacement cycles, security tools and the time your team spends on upkeep. For the cloud, include compute, storage, bandwidth, backup and support. A like for like three to five year comparison is far more useful than a monthly price.
Planning and risk
Security, backup and recovery should be in the design from the start. Read our cloud migration checklist and the myths of cloud computing before you commit. Our Microsoft Azure team and cloud services Toronto specialists can do a short assessment to give you numbers rather than guesses.
Get a straightforward assessment of what moving to Azure would mean for you.
Explore Microsoft AzureFrequently asked questions
Will my applications work in Azure?
Most Windows based applications do. Check with your software vendor and test first.
What if my internet goes down?
Plan for a reliable connection with a backup. For some systems a hybrid design keeps local access.
Can I move back?
Yes, but it takes effort. That is why a pilot and clear exit plan are worth doing.
Related service: Cloud Services
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