SQL Server Migration to Azure via VHD Image — Azure VM Database Migration

IT Partner migrates a supported SQL Server workload to an Azure Virtual Machine by converting the source physical or virtual machine to a Hyper-V VHD, uploading the VHD to Azure Storage, and deploying a new Azure VM from that VHD. The service also includes creating the SQL VM with per-minute licensing or an existing license, configuring high availability if required, and providing a project closeout report.

The migration process converts the existing physical or virtual SQL Server machine into a Hyper-V VHD, uploads the VHD file to Azure Storage using the Add-AzureVHD cmdlet, and deploys a new Azure Virtual Machine from the uploaded VHD. This approach is intended to move the server image to Azure while making the SQL databases available from the Azure VM without data loss.

Yes. IT Partner's scope includes converting physical or virtual machines to Hyper-V VHDs, then using those VHDs to deploy the SQL Server VM in Azure.

The service is for supported SQL Server editions and versions that can run on Azure Virtual Machines, including SQL Server 2016. It can also be used with free-licensed SQL Server Developer and Express editions for testing and lightweight workloads, where those editions fit the workload requirements.

No. Software version upgrades are not included in the stated scope of this migration service. If a server upgrade is needed, IT Partner can provide it as an additional service.

Yes, the SQL VM can be created using an existing SQL Server license when the correct licensing approach is selected for the new VM. IT Partner can also create the VM with per-minute SQL licensing if that is the preferred model.

No. The service notes that it is not possible to change the licensing model of a pay-per-minute SQL Server VM to use your own license. If you need BYOL after choosing pay-per-minute, you must create a new BYOL VM and migrate the databases to that new VM.

High availability can be configured if required as part of the engagement. The exact design and requirements should be confirmed with IT Partner because the service description does not specify a single default high-availability architecture.

If transferring large amounts of data over the network is prohibitively expensive or not feasible, IT Partner can help arrange shipment of hard drives using the Azure Import/Export Service. This is included as assistance with arranging the transfer option, not a guarantee that every shipping or import cost is included.

The engagement typically includes a kickoff meeting, review of SQL Server and Windows Server, start of deployment, finalization of deployment, and verification with issue fixing if needed. The plan may vary depending on your environment and project needs.

The client must provide a dedicated point of contact, coordinate outside vendor resources and schedules, configure networking equipment such as load balancers, routers, firewalls, and switches, and provide access to required physical and virtual servers, systems, and services. Remote and/or physical access to facilities and systems may also be required.

The client is responsible for configuring networking equipment, including load balancers, routers, firewalls, and switches. IT Partner handles the SQL Server VHD conversion, Azure Storage upload, VM deployment, licensing setup for the SQL VM, and high availability configuration if required.

The source service description does not list prerequisites separately from client responsibilities. At minimum, the client should be prepared to provide required server access, coordination, and network configuration support, and should confirm Azure subscription, licensing, and environment readiness details with IT Partner before the project begins.

The service description does not specify a guaranteed downtime window or zero-downtime migration. Because the process involves moving a server image and deploying a new Azure VM, downtime and business impact should be assessed during planning and confirmed with IT Partner for the specific environment.

The stated success criterion is that SQL databases are available from an Azure VM without data loss. IT Partner also includes a verification phase to identify and fix issues if any are found.

IT Partner provides a project closeout report showing the final project status, evidence that acceptance criteria were met, any outstanding issues, and the final budget. More extensive documentation than the closeout report can be provided for an additional fee.

No. Backup scheduling is explicitly not included in this service. If you need backup planning, configuration, or operational scheduling, confirm that separately with IT Partner.

The listed service price is $450. Final pricing for any additional services or scope changes should be confirmed with IT Partner, especially if the project requires items outside the stated scope such as upgrades or more extensive documentation.

After deployment, IT Partner finalizes the environment, verifies that the SQL databases are available from the Azure VM without data loss, addresses issues if any are found, and provides the project closeout report. Ongoing operations such as backup scheduling or unrelated upgrades are outside the stated scope unless separately arranged.