Azure Migration Services — Microsoft-Native, Zero-Downtime
Organizations invested in Microsoft — Active Directory, Microsoft 365, SQL Server — get unique advantages migrating to Azure. Opsio provides end-to-end Azure migration with Azure Migrate, Site Recovery, and seamless identity integration that no other cloud platform can match.
Trusted by 100+ organisations across 6 countries
Azure
Specialist
0
Downtime
Hybrid
Expert
40%
Cost Savings
What's Included
Azure Migrate Assessment
Discovery and assessment of your on-premises environment using Azure Migrate for server inventory, dependency mapping, Azure readiness scoring, and cost estimation. We evaluate every workload for optimal migration strategy and generate reports with target Azure configuration and Hybrid Benefit savings projections.
Server Migration (Site Recovery)
Azure Site Recovery provides continuous replication of VMs to Azure with non-disruptive testing and coordinated failover. We configure automatic fallback procedures, validate application functionality in Azure before cutover, and execute zero-downtime migration with rehearsed runbook procedures.
SQL & Database Migration
Azure Database Migration Service for SQL Server to Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, or Azure Database for PostgreSQL and MySQL. Online migration with minimal downtime, comprehensive data validation, and schema compatibility testing ensure complete database migration success.
Active Directory Integration
Azure AD Connect deployment, hybrid identity configuration with password hash sync or pass-through authentication, Conditional Access policies, and seamless SSO across on-premises and Azure resources. Identity federation is configured before server migration begins to ensure uninterrupted authentication.
Hybrid Cloud Setup
ExpressRoute or Site-to-Site VPN connectivity with redundancy, Azure Arc for unified management of remaining on-premises resources, and Azure Stack HCI for workloads that must stay local. Opsio designs hybrid architectures for phased migration that maintain connectivity throughout.
Azure Cost Optimization
Post-migration right-sizing with Azure Advisor, Hybrid Benefit license optimization for Windows and SQL Server, Reserved Instance planning, Azure Monitor and Log Analytics configuration, and Defender for Cloud deployment — ensuring your migration delivers maximum long-term value.
Free consultation
Talk to an expert about Azure Migration Services
Tell us briefly what you need. A specialist replies within one business day — free and without obligation.
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- Certified cloud engineers
Opsio has been a reliable partner in managing our cloud infrastructure. Their expertise in security and managed services gives us the confidence to focus on our core business while knowing our IT environment is in good hands.
Magnus Norman
Head of IT · Löfbergs
Migrate to Azure with Microsoft Expertise
An Azure migration requires specialized knowledge of Microsoft cloud services, hybrid connectivity patterns, and identity federation that differs fundamentally from other platforms. This page is our 4-phase migration METHODOLOGY (Assess, Design, Execute, Optimise) — for the full umbrella view of program coverage, funding (MAP/AMPP), AWS-to-Azure scenarios and VMware-on-Azure, see our Azure migration services program. Organizations running Windows Server, SQL Server, and Active Directory get unique advantages from Azure — licensing savings through Hybrid Benefit, familiar management tools, and seamless identity integration that competitors cannot replicate. Opsio's azure migration services use Azure Migrate for comprehensive discovery and assessment, Azure Site Recovery for zero-downtime server migration, Azure Database Migration Service for SQL workloads, and Azure AD Connect for seamless identity federation. Opsio specializes in on-premises to Azure migration scenarios that preserve existing Microsoft investments while unlocking cloud scalability and cost optimization.
Azure Hybrid Benefit is a game-changer for Microsoft-licensed organizations. Existing Windows Server and SQL Server licenses can be used on Azure, reducing compute costs by up to 40%. During every Azure migration, we audit all eligible licenses and ensure Hybrid Benefit is correctly applied — savings that often offset a significant portion of the migration investment itself.
The landing zone for Azure migration includes subscription structure, Azure Policy for governance, Entra ID configuration for identity, virtual networking with hub-spoke topology, centralized logging with Log Analytics, and security baseline with Defender for Cloud. We deploy everything with Azure Blueprints and Infrastructure as Code for consistency and reproducibility.
For cross-cloud scenarios — particularly AWS to Azure — methodology and tooling parity (Azure Migrate vs AWS MGN, Azure Site Recovery vs CloudEndure) is covered in our AWS-to-Azure migration walkthrough. Common Azure migration challenges: Active Directory dependencies that complicate identity migration, SQL Server stored procedures requiring testing after migration, ExpressRoute setup for hybrid connectivity during transition, licensing complexity with Hybrid Benefit eligibility, and application teams resistant to change windows. Opsio's methodology addresses each with proven solutions.
Evaluating azure migration services cost? Assessment runs $5,000-$12,000. Migration execution ranges from $25,000-$100,000+ depending on scope. Azure Hybrid Benefit can reduce ongoing Azure costs by up to 40% — providing continuous savings that compound every month after migration completes. After cutover, ongoing steady-state operations are typically transitioned to our Azure managed service provider team for 24/7 ops, identity governance and FinOps tuning.
Opsio is headquartered in Karlstad, Sweden, and has delivered Azure migrations into Azure Sweden Central since the region launched in 2021. For Nordic and EU-based organizations, Sweden Central keeps workloads within Sweden's borders — satisfying Schrems II and GDPR Chapter 5 data residency requirements — while Sweden South (the paired region in Gävle) provides in-country disaster recovery without crossing national boundaries. Sweden transposed the NIS2 Directive into national law in January 2024; our Azure landing zone templates include NIS2 Article 21 controls as standard (network segmentation, 24-hour incident reporting, supply-chain attestation, encryption-at-rest with customer-managed keys). Every Azure migration we deliver to the Swedish market — from Karlstad SMEs to Stockholm enterprises — is designed against those controls from day one rather than retrofitted after cutover. Featured reading from our knowledge base: AWS MAP for VMware Migration: Transitioning to Cloud-Native, and Microsoft Azure Cloud Migration Services – Expert Guidance for Businesses. Related Opsio services: AWS Migration Services — MAP Funded, Zero-Downtime, and Database Migration Services — Zero Data Loss, Minimal Downtime.
How Opsio Compares
| Capability | DIY Migration | System Integrator | Opsio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azure Hybrid Benefit expertise | Often missed | Basic awareness | Full license audit — 40% savings |
| Identity migration | AD Connect only | Basic setup | Full hybrid identity — PIM, CA, SSO |
| Migration methodology | Ad hoc | Waterfall | Agile waves with zero-downtime |
| Time to migrate 50 servers | 6-12 months | 4-6 months | 8-12 weeks |
| Post-migration optimization | Not included | Separate engagement | Included — Advisor + Defender |
| Hybrid connectivity | VPN only | Basic ExpressRoute | Redundant ExpressRoute + failover |
| Typical cost (50 servers) | $100K+ (hidden labor) | $80-150K | $25-60K (+ Hybrid Benefit savings) |
Ready to get started?
What You Get
Pricing & Investment Tiers
Transparent pricing. No hidden fees. Scope-based quotes.
Migration Assessment
$5,000–$12,000
Azure Migrate + Hybrid Benefit audit
Standard Migration
$25,000–$60,000
10-50 servers with identity
Enterprise Migration
$60,000–$100,000+
50+ servers, full program
Transparent pricing. No hidden fees. Scope-based quotes.
Questions about pricing? Let's discuss your specific requirements.
Why Choose Opsio for Cloud Services
Microsoft Partner
Certified Azure expertise with migration, hybrid cloud, and identity specialization.
Hybrid specialists
Deep expertise in AD integration, ExpressRoute, Azure Arc, and hybrid scenarios.
SQL migration experts
SQL Server to Azure SQL migrations with near-zero downtime and data validation.
Azure Hybrid Benefit
We maximize existing license benefits to reduce ongoing Azure costs by up to 40%.
Zero-downtime methodology
Site Recovery-based migration with tested failback and coordinated cutover.
Post-migration support
Optional ongoing Azure managed services with monitoring and optimization.
Not sure yet? Start with a pilot.
Begin with a focused 2-week assessment. See real results before committing to a full engagement. If you proceed, the pilot cost is credited toward your project.
Our 4-Phase Delivery Process
Assessment
Azure Migrate discovery, dependency mapping, readiness scoring, Hybrid Benefit audit, and cost analysis with TCO comparison. Timeline: 2-3 weeks.
Planning
Target architecture, migration waves, identity strategy, hybrid connectivity design, landing zone with Azure Blueprints, and Hybrid Benefit optimization. Timeline: 2-4 weeks.
Migration
Server replication via Site Recovery, database migration via Azure DMS, identity federation with AD Connect, and zero-downtime cutover. Timeline: 4-12 weeks.
Optimization
Right-sizing with Azure Advisor, security hardening with Defender for Cloud, cost optimization with Hybrid Benefit, and operational handover. Timeline: 2-4 weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Azure Migrate Assessment
- Server Migration (Site Recovery)
- SQL & Database Migration
- Active Directory Integration
- Hybrid Cloud Setup
Industries Served by Opsio
Enterprise
Microsoft-centric organizations with Active Directory and M365 dependencies.
Healthcare
HIPAA-compliant Azure environments with identity governance requirements.
Public Sector
Azure Government for sovereign workloads with compliance documentation.
Manufacturing
Hybrid cloud migration with Azure IoT, edge computing, and factory integration.
Azure Migration Services — Microsoft-Native, Zero-Downtime — FAQ
How long does Azure migration take?
Simple server migrations using Azure Site Recovery take 4-8 weeks including assessment, landing zone setup, and validation. Complex migrations involving SQL databases, Active Directory federation, hybrid connectivity, and multiple environments typically require 3-6 months. Enterprise programs with 100+ servers may span 6-12 months with wave-based execution and phased cutover. We provide milestone-level timelines after assessment so your stakeholders have clear visibility into progress and can plan business continuity activities around each migration wave.
Can you migrate SQL Server to Azure?
Yes. We migrate SQL Server to Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, or SQL Server on Azure VMs using Azure Database Migration Service with near-zero downtime. We assess each database individually to recommend the optimal target — considering features used, performance requirements, and Hybrid Benefit eligibility for maximum cost savings. Each database migration includes comprehensive compatibility testing, stored procedure validation, and performance benchmarking to ensure your applications work identically on the Azure target without surprises after cutover.
What is Azure Hybrid Benefit?
Azure Hybrid Benefit lets you use existing Windows Server and SQL Server licenses on Azure, reducing compute costs by up to 40%. During every Azure migration, we audit all eligible licenses across your on-premises estate and ensure Hybrid Benefit is correctly applied across your entire Azure environment — often saving tens of thousands annually. Many organizations miss significant Hybrid Benefit savings because they are unaware of eligible licenses or fail to apply the benefit correctly across all qualifying resources, which is exactly the gap our license audit addresses.
How much does Azure migration cost?
Assessment and planning: $5,000-$12,000. Standard migration of 10-50 servers: $25,000-$60,000. Enterprise migration of 50+ servers: $60,000-$100,000+. Azure Hybrid Benefit reduces ongoing operational costs by up to 40%. We provide transparent fixed-price quotes after assessment with detailed scope and timeline. All pricing is fixed after assessment with no surprise charges during execution, and Hybrid Benefit savings typically offset a significant portion of the migration investment within the first year of Azure operations.
Can you handle hybrid on-premises to Azure migration?
Yes — hybrid scenarios are our specialty. Opsio designsExpressRoute or VPN connectivity with redundancy, configure Azure Arc for unified management, deploy Azure AD Connect for identity federation, and create phased migration plans that move workloads gradually while maintaining seamless connectivity between on-premises and Azure throughout the transition. This phased approach means your business operations continue uninterrupted while workloads move to Azure incrementally, with each wave validated before proceeding to the next to minimize risk.
What is Azure Site Recovery and how does it work?
Azure Site Recovery continuously replicates your on-premises VMs to Azure using block-level replication. This means your production systems run normally while an up-to-date copy exists in Azure. During cutover, we stop replication, perform final sync, and start the Azure VMs — typically completing in 15-30 minutes with tested rollback capability if any issues arise. Before the actual cutover, we conduct test failovers that validate application functionality on Azure without affecting your production environment, ensuring the cutover will succeed when you are ready to commit.
Do you handle Active Directory migration?
Yes. Identity migration is critical for Azure success. We deploy Azure AD Connect with password hash sync or pass-through authentication, configure Conditional Access policies, set up Privileged Identity Management, and ensure seamless SSO across on-premises and Azure resources. Identity federation is established before server migration begins. This identity-first approach ensures users can authenticate seamlessly to both on-premises and Azure resources throughout the migration, eliminating the authentication disruptions that poorly planned identity migrations commonly cause.
What landing zone do you deploy for Azure?
Our Azure landing zone includes subscription structure with management groups, Azure Policy initiatives for governance, hub-spoke virtual network topology, centralized logging with Log Analytics, security baseline with Defender for Cloud, Entra ID configuration, and Azure Blueprints for repeatable environment provisioning — all deployed with Infrastructure as Code. The landing zone is designed to scale with your organization, accommodating future workloads and subscriptions without requiring architectural changes, so your Azure foundation remains solid as your cloud footprint grows.
Can you migrate from AWS to Azure?
Yes. We migrate workloads from AWS, other cloud providers, and on-premises to Azure. For AWS-to-Azure migrations, we use Azure Migrate for discovery, Site Recovery for server replication, and Azure DMS for database migration. Opsio handles networking changes, identity reconfiguration, and application testing throughout the cross-cloud migration process. Cross-cloud migrations require additional planning for networking architecture differences and identity system changes, which our methodology addresses systematically to prevent the connectivity and authentication issues that commonly arise.
What post-migration support do you provide?
Every migration includes 30 days of hypercare support with monitoring and incident response. After hypercare, we offer optional ongoing Azure managed services — 24/7 monitoring, identity management, security operations, cost optimization, and full operational support by the same team that performed your migration. During hypercare, we proactively tune monitoring thresholds, optimize resource sizing based on actual production patterns, and address any post-migration issues to ensure your Azure environment is fully stable before transitioning to steady-state operations.
Do you support Azure Sweden Central specifically?
Yes — Azure Sweden Central is one of our primary target regions and we have delivered migrations into it since the region launched in 2021. Sweden Central is the correct choice for Nordic organizations that need data residency within Sweden's borders for Schrems II, GDPR Chapter 5, or NIS2 compliance. For disaster recovery we pair it with Sweden South (located in Gävle), which keeps DR failover inside the country rather than routing to Western Europe or North Europe. We configure workloads for Sweden Central availability zones by default and benchmark latency from Karlstad, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Oslo, and Copenhagen during the assessment phase so you know exactly what performance your users will experience post-migration.
How does your migration approach address NIS2 requirements?
Sweden transposed the NIS2 Directive into national law in January 2024, and essential and important entities (including most mid-market and enterprise organizations) must meet NIS2 Article 21 controls. Our Azure landing zone templates include these controls as standard rather than bolt-ons: network segmentation using Azure Virtual Network and NSGs, 24-hour incident reporting runbooks wired to Microsoft Sentinel and your CSIRT, supply-chain attestation via Azure Policy for approved resource SKUs, encryption at rest with customer-managed keys in Azure Key Vault, and immutable audit logs in Log Analytics retained per NIS2 guidance. We produce NIS2 evidence packs during migration so you have documented controls ready for supervisory authority reviews — Post- och telestyrelsen (PTS) in Sweden's case.
Can you provide references from Swedish enterprise customers?
Yes. Opsio has delivered Azure migrations for Swedish enterprises across manufacturing, financial services, media, and SaaS — including named customers like Löfbergs (Karlstad-based coffee roaster), and others we can reference under NDA. After your initial assessment we will arrange reference calls with current Swedish customers whose industry and workload profile most closely match yours. Our engineering team is based in Karlstad (HQ) with Swedish-speaking project leads available for in-person workshops across Sweden, and our delivery center in Bangalore provides 24/7 coverage without crossing outside the EU-India data corridor.
Still have questions? Our team is ready to help.
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Azure Migration Services — Microsoft-Native, Zero-Downtime
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