Azure Arc Expands SQL Migration Options with Azure VM Support

Azure Arc has expanded its SQL Server migration capabilities by adding support for SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines as a migration target. This enhancement builds upon the existing migration options to Azure SQL Managed Instance, providing organizations with greater flexibility in their database modernization strategies.

The migration to SQL Server on Azure VMs leverages a backup and log shipping approach. Database backups are uploaded from the source SQL Server to Azure Blob Storage, which serves as an intermediary staging location. The migration engine then restores the initial full backup followed by ongoing transaction log and differential backups. This method minimizes downtime while maintaining control over the cutover window.

A critical requirement for this migration path is that both the Azure Blob Storage account and the target SQL Server VM must reside in the same Azure region. This regional alignment ensures efficient data transfer, reliable restore operations, and predictable migration performance.

Within the Azure Arc migration experience, users can select the Azure Blob Storage container containing the backup files through a guided user interface. Once the migration job is initiated, Azure Arc automatically restores the backup files to SQL Server on the Azure VM. As new log backups are uploaded to Blob Storage, they are continuously detected and applied to the target database, keeping it synchronized with the source.

The cutover process is controlled and predictable. When the final cutover command is issued, Azure Arc applies the last backup to the target SQL Server on the Azure Virtual Machine and brings the target database online. Applications can then be redirected to the new environment, with downtime precisely planned rather than dictated by long-running restore operations.

This expansion of migration targets within Azure Arc represents a significant enhancement for organizations with hybrid SQL Server environments. By supporting both Azure SQL Managed Instance and SQL Server on Azure VMs through a unified workflow, Azure Arc eliminates the need for disconnected tools or custom orchestration. Teams can now choose between a fully managed PaaS service or SQL Server on Azure infrastructure without learning a new migration process.

To begin using this new capability, SQL Server instances must first be enabled by Azure Arc. From there, the migration experience is fully integrated into the Azure Arc SQL experience, accessible through the Azure portal under the Database migration menu.

The addition of SQL Server on Azure VMs as a migration target demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to providing flexible, scalable, and consistent migration experiences that support hybrid environments and enable modernization at a controlled and predictable pace.

For detailed guidance on getting started with SQL Server migration in Azure Arc, refer to the official documentation.