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Challenge 15: Data Migration Options

Estimated Time

15-25 min | Cost: Free | Domain: Azure Architecture & Services (35-40%)

Exam skills covered​

  • Identify options for moving files (AzCopy, Storage Explorer, Azure File Sync)
  • Describe migration options (Azure Migrate, Azure Data Box)

Overview​

Moving data to Azure can be done in many ways depending on the volume of data, network bandwidth, and time constraints. Azure provides tools for small transfers (AzCopy, Storage Explorer), medium migrations (Azure Migrate), and massive offline transfers (Azure Data Box).

Explore​

Task 1: Understand data movement tools​

ToolBest forHow it works
AzCopyFiles/blobs via command lineCLI utility, fast parallel transfers
Azure Storage ExplorerFiles/blobs via GUIDesktop app with drag-and-drop
Azure File SyncHybrid file sharesSyncs on-prem file server with Azure Files
Azure MigrateFull workload migrationAssess and migrate VMs, databases, apps
Azure Data BoxMassive data (TBs-PBs)Physical device shipped to you

Task 2: Understand Azure Migrate​

Azure Migrate is a hub for discovering, assessing, and migrating:

  • Servers (VMs from VMware, Hyper-V, physical)
  • Databases (SQL Server → Azure SQL)
  • Web apps (IIS → App Service)
  • Data (using Data Box)

Migration process:

  1. Discover — Find on-premises workloads
  2. Assess — Check readiness and estimate costs
  3. Migrate — Move workloads to Azure

Task 3: Understand Azure Data Box​

For very large data transfers where network upload would take weeks or months:

Data Box variantCapacityUse case
Data Box DiskUp to 35 TBSmall-medium offline transfer
Data BoxUp to 80 TBMedium offline transfer
Data Box HeavyUp to 1 PBLarge offline transfer

How it works:

  1. Order a Data Box from Azure Portal
  2. Microsoft ships the device to you
  3. Copy your data to the device
  4. Ship it back to Microsoft
  5. Microsoft uploads data to your storage account

Task 4: Explore Azure Migrate in Portal​

  1. In Azure Portal, search for Azure Migrate
  2. Explore the Get started page
  3. Notice the migration goals:
    • Servers, databases, and web apps
    • Azure VMware Solution
  4. Browse Assessment tools and Migration tools
  5. This is a discovery/assessment tool — read-only, no cost

Task 5: AzCopy and Storage Explorer​

AzCopy (command-line):

# Example: Copy a file to blob storage
# azcopy copy 'local-file.txt' 'https://account.blob.core.windows.net/container/file.txt?SAS-token'

# AzCopy is pre-installed in Azure Cloud Shell
azcopy --version

Azure Storage Explorer (GUI):

Azure CLI Alternative
# AzCopy version check (pre-installed in Cloud Shell)
azcopy --version

# List storage accounts for migration planning
az storage account list --query "[].{Name:name, Location:location}" --output table

Key Concepts​

ConceptDescription
AzCopyCommand-line tool for fast data transfer to/from Azure Storage
Storage ExplorerGUI tool for managing Azure Storage visually
Azure File SyncKeeps on-prem file servers in sync with Azure Files
Azure MigrateAssess and migrate servers, databases, and apps to Azure
Azure Data BoxPhysical device for offline transfer of massive data
Lift-and-shiftMove workloads to Azure with minimal changes

Knowledge Check​

1. A company has 100 TB of data to move to Azure but limited internet bandwidth. What should they use?

2. Which tool provides a GUI for uploading files to Azure Blob Storage from a desktop computer?

3. An organization wants to assess their on-premises VMs for readiness to move to Azure. Which service should they start with?

4. A company wants to keep their on-premises file server but also have files available in Azure for cloud-based applications. Which service enables this?

Learn More​