For organizations still managing on-prem file servers, applications, or legacy infrastructure, a migration to Microsoft Azure opens the door to scalability, stronger security, and lower operational costs.
But without a clear roadmap, your Azure migration strategy can stall or fall short.
The best approach depends on your current environment, business goals, and how ready your organization is to make the move.
In this post, we’ll break down Azure migration best practices for moving file shares, data, and workloads from on-prem to the cloud.
Start your Azure migration with a clear business motivation, then pick the right migration path:
Need help deciding your “why” and mapping the right path? Explore ProArch’s Azure Migration Services.
Before exploring tools, timelines, or architectures, pause and ask: Why are we moving to Azure?
Azure offers more than just infrastructure. With built-in migration tools like Azure Migrate, Azure File Sync, and Azure Site Recovery, organizations can move workloads faster, align with Zero Trust security frameworks, and take advantage of FinOps-based cost management.
Knowing your “why” ensures your cloud migration strategy is focused and aligned with business outcomes.
Azure migrations typically fall into three categories based on your pace and priorities:
When to use it: This approach is ideal for organizations beginning their Azure migration from on-premise to cloud who need a low-risk, incremental path.
Your file server is nearing end-of-life, or you want better disaster recovery and cloud resilience without fully moving off-premises.
This method uses Azure File Sync to replicate file shares to Azure over a network or in bulk with Azure Data Box, allowing for staged data migration to Azure without disrupting daily operations.
Your team can cache Azure file shares on-prem (or in an Azure VM), giving users the same mapped-drive experience while improving scalability and backup options.
Here’s how it works:
Deploy in two steps:
Hybrid Mode is especially useful when bandwidth or network latency limitations make online transfers difficult or when compliance requirements mandate some data remain on-premises.
Cloud-first mode is better with Azure Virtual Desktop or Azure VPN for access since it provides the best security and prevention of data leakage.
When to use it: You’re ready to move your infrastructure off-premises but want to minimize disruption by keeping existing configurations.
The lift-and-shift model is a strong choice for fast on-premise to Azure migration that doesn’t require refactoring applications or file structures.
This approach involves a cloning process using either the Azure Migrate tool or Azure Site Recovery (ASR) with failover capabilities.
How do I choose between Azure Migrate and Site Recovery?
Azure Site Recovery provides a critical boost to your business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) strategy. It replicates workloads running on physical or virtual machines from your primary site to Azure.
When ready, you can fail over to the replicated servers in Azure and safely decommission your on-premises servers—ensuring minimal downtime.
It helps optimize and modernize your workloads as part of the migration but does require premigration steps like discovery, assessment, and right-sizing of your on-prem resources across infrastructure, data, and applications.
Benefits of lift-and-shift migration:
By moving your file servers into Azure’s Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) environment, you reduce your hardware footprint and improve disaster recovery capabilities while maintaining familiar server environments.
When to use it: If you want to get rid of your on-site file servers, use cloud-based tools, and completely modernize how your organization handles files, this is the way to go.
This method is especially helpful if your team works remotely, as it lowers IT complexity and boosts security by keeping everything in one central place.
Rather than simply moving your old servers to the cloud, you replace them with Microsoft 365 services like SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business. Microsoft 365 makes it easy to store, share, and collaborate on documents, offer version history, and let you access your files from anywhere and any device.
By adding Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), your team can safely use all their apps and files in the cloud, without needing a VPN or managing physical computers. Logins and access are organized through a single system, and your data stays protected with built-in security options like Sensitivity Labels and Microsoft Purview.
Benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop:
Azure Migrate – best for multi-server assessments and right-sizing workloads.
Azure Site Recovery (ASR) – best for single-server replication and disaster recovery.
Azure File Sync – ideal for hybrid file server migration.
Azure Data Box – for bulk offline transfers when bandwidth is limited.
Unexpected Costs → Use Azure Cost Management and FinOps practices.
Downtime Risks → Leverage ASR failover and phased migrations.
Security Gaps → Apply Zero Trust and RBAC from day one.
Compliance Concerns → Align with Microsoft Purview and industry-specific policies.
Skills Gap → Partner with an experienced Microsoft Solutions Partner.
No matter which phase—Crawl, Walk, or Run—you choose, these principles guide every successful Azure migration:
1. Define Your “Why”
Whether it’s reducing risk, enabling hybrid work, or preparing for AI initiatives, clearly defined goals help guide decision-making and stakeholder buy-in.
2. Perform a Thorough Assessment
Assess your current infrastructure, workloads, and dependencies. A full discovery process ensures right-sizing, highlights modernization opportunities, and identifies quick wins for early success.
3. Prioritize Quick Wins
Identify workloads that are cloud-ready and low risk. These quick wins like test environments or single-purpose VMs build momentum and uncover process gaps before migrating business-critical systems.
4. Build a Cloud Landing Zone
Establish secure, scalable Azure environments before moving workloads. Include identity, networking, security, and policy enforcement from the start.
ProArch can design a landing zone tailored to your business and compliance needs.
5. Secure and Monitor Everything
Apply zero trust principles, integrate Azure-native security tools, and configure role-based access control (RBAC) early.
Proactive monitoring and governance will reduce risks and ensure operational stability as your cloud footprint grows.
6. Optimize Continuously
Post-migration is just as important. Prioritize Azure cost optimization (Azure Cost Management) and built-in telemetry to monitor performance and cost.
Regular optimization ensures your environment evolves with your business.
When planning a migration, reference the latest Microsoft documentation and community best practices, as service capabilities and naming conventions continue to evolve.
Integration with AI services and cross-cloud data governance should be part of your roadmap, with attention to Azure’s current preview and GA (Generally Available) features
Your Azure migration isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about improving performance, security, and agility.
As a top Microsoft partner, ProArch provides strategy, execution, and ongoing support to ensure your cloud investments deliver value from day one.
Explore ProArch’s Azure Migration Services to start building a roadmap that fits your business.