Microsoft Events hosts a Microsoft Ignite session offering essential best practices for securely migrating VMware workloads to Azure using Azure VMware Solution, with live demos and case studies.

Best Practices for Migration and Security with Azure VMware Solution

Presented at Microsoft Ignite 2025 by Sundeep Hiranandaney and Justin Jakowski

Introduction

Enterprises face increasing demands to modernize their IT infrastructure without jeopardizing existing mission-critical operations. Azure VMware Solution (AVS) offers a low-risk, scalable path to migrate VMware-based workloads to the cloud by extending on-premises environments into Azure, retaining existing skillsets and investments.

Cloud Migration Strategies and Azure Options

  • Overview of cloud migration approaches, distinguishing between rapid lift-and-shift strategies and deeper modernization efforts.
  • AVS enables organizations to capitalize on Azure’s scale and innovation while minimizing disruption.

Real-World Case Studies

  • State of Alaska: Successfully migrated entire data centers to AVS, illustrating cost-effectiveness and operational continuity.
  • Other customer examples demonstrated various modernization trajectories tailored to unique business requirements.

Engineering Investments

  • Microsoft’s significant enhancements in AVS hardware and networking deliver increased performance, reliability, and seamless integration with native Azure services.

Enterprise-Grade Security

  • In-depth exploration of security features integrated with AVS, including:
    • Microsoft security tool integrations for monitoring, threat detection, and access management
    • Extended security updates for legacy Windows Server and SQL Server versions
  • Guidance on securing migrated and hybrid environments in Azure

Live Demonstration

  • Demonstration of VMware HCX migration, highlighting network and operational considerations, as well as tips for a smooth transition to Azure infrastructure.

Migration Targets and Pathways

  • Review of typical migration targets and modernization paths supported by AVS
  • Discussion on how to select the optimal route based on current and future enterprise needs

Next Steps

  • Recommended actions for organizations starting their migration journey
  • Common challenges and how to address them
  • Resources for further learning and support

For more information:

Presented by Microsoft Events at Microsoft Ignite 2025.