While VMware excels at managing multiple virtual machines on a single physical server, Azure VM takes operational efficiency to the next level. Its scalability and seamless integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem enable organizations to adapt to changing demands and leverage a broader range of cloud services. 

With Azure, organizations can choose from various hosting options, including Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). This flexibility not only simplifies cost management but also expands the breadth of services available to clients. 

Azure’s robust security features, including access to its built-in security center and compliance reporting, also provide essential safeguards during and after migration. 

To maximize these advantages, organizations should assess how to properly leverage Azure’s offerings prior to mirgration. 

Here are some basic questions that should be asked to aid in this process: 

• ‍Can your current VM seamlessly migrate to Azure VM? 

• What are the financial considerations associated with migrating to Azure VM? 

• What specific security measures should you implement during the migration? 

• Is it possible to undo your Azure VM migration via a reverse migration? 

• How will the migration affect your current workloads and applications? 
  

Reducing Spend With Azure VM 

With Azure, it’s easy to check potential savings using the Azure Pricing Calculator before migrating. This is an invaluable tool during the evaluation process and ensures accurate budget planning can be done beforehand. 

Next, conducting an Azure VM assessment with the Azure Migrate Discovery tool will help determine cloud readiness, identify storage needs, and recommend optimal cloud regions. It can also uncover potential cost-saving strategies such as Azure Reservations, Azure Savings Plans, or Azure Hybrid Benefits. 

Standardizing on Windows Servers within Azure VMs can reduce overall costs by leveraging the Azure Hybrid Benefit program. This program allows organizations that already have Windows Server licenses with Software Assurance to use those licenses in Azure, eliminating the need to pay for additional licenses when migrating workloads from VMware to Azure. 

If you’re thinking long-term, committing to a 3-year reservation in Azure VMs can save up to 70% on virtual machine costs. Microsoft also provides discounts on computing resources under similar agreements. 

Pros of Migrating to Azure VM 

• Microsoft enables the bundling of Azure VMs into existing Enterprise License Agreements (ELAs), allowing CIOs and CFOs to achieve greater economies of scale. 

• Azure’s tight integration with the Microsoft stack allows for streamlined operations and enhanced collaboration across applications and services. 

• Azure offers a range of pricing models, including pay-as-you-go and reserved instances, so organizations can optimize their spending based on usage patterns and long-term commitments. 

• Azure provides robust security solutions that deliver multi-layered protection, ensuring that workloads are safeguarded against various threats. 
  

Cons of Migrating to Azure VM 

• Azure requires extensive knowledge and some level of expertise to manage properly.

• A common problem with Microsoft is the structural differences between its platforms and other solutions, resulting in misconfiguration. 

• Factors such as over-provisioning, inefficient scaling, and inadequate monitoring can contribute to unexpected expenses that quickly add up. 
  

What Else Should I Know? 

Organizations that standardize on Microsoft across their entire enterprise — devices, cloud, security, and application development — can achieve significant economic and technical benefits by migrating VMs to Azure. This alignment not only streamlines operations but also enhances interoperability across various platforms and tools, leading to increased efficiency and reduced complexity. 

To fully capitalize on Azure’s potential, organizations must prioritize building skilled teams and cultivating in-house expertise. This means investing in ongoing training for existing staff as well as recruiting professionals with specialized Azure experience, from cloud architecture and security to advanced data analytics and application integration.

At Hypershift, we’re here to support your digital transformation. Our expert consulting and management covers all aspects of enterprise infrastructure, cloud solutions, security, and advanced analytics, tailored to help you leverage the best in emerging technologies. Partnering with over 70 industry leaders, including Microsoft and Google Cloud, we bring a wealth of solutions and services to help you reach your goals.

Let Hypershift guide you toward a smarter, more scalable technology future. Contact us today!