February 23, 2022

New Azure File Migration program streamlines unstructured data migration

By Karl Rautenstrauch

A woman looking at her laptop, holding a cup

Enterprise file storage remains a critical component of customer application environments today and fuels a diverse set of workloads including AI and machine learning (ML) training, modern analytics, high performance compute, virtual desktop deployments, and traditional server-based applications. These workloads cannot migrate to Azure without the underlying data.

According to recent IDC Reports1, 97% of revenue attached to file storage remains on-premises and accounted for $7.6B in revenue in 2021. This figure is projected to grow to $8.4B by 2025. Tremendous unrealized opportunity exists for partners to help streamline customer migrations of file data from enterprise files and object storage platforms to Azure and bring the value of on-demand compute and modern cloud services.

Azure File Migration streamlines complex file migration

Why do file-heavy workloads remain on-premises to such a large degree today? We have consistently heard from customers that migrating file data between disparate storage platforms is difficult, time consuming, and labor intensive. To address this need and reduce the time, effort, and risk involved in mass migration of file data – Microsoft is announcing the Azure File Migration program.

While our Azure Migrate hub offers a tremendous portfolio of tools and services from Microsoft and ISV partners to automate and simplify database and server migration, current offerings do not address unstructured file data.

That’s why we’ve partnered with Microsoft partners Data Dynamics and Komprise to bring their best-of-breed file migration solutions to Azure customers and partners at no cost through the Azure File Migration program. These tools make it possible to migrate tens of terabytes to petabytes of files with distributed copy engines, centralized control, and automated processes. No need for scripting, babysitting processes, or difficult troubleshooting.

Unlock opportunities with the Azure File Migration program

Engaging in the Azure File Migration program is easy. No forms to fill out. No approvals needed. Simply select the Data Dynamics or Komprise offer in the Azure Marketplace, and you will be contacted by the ISV who will guide you through the fundamentals to get you started.

Resources to get you started

We have built materials to help you:

You can learn more about the program and file migration in general on Tech Community. We are thrilled to bring a valuable service to our customers and partners and power migration to Azure!

IDC Worldwide and U.S. External Enterprise Storage Systems Forecast Update, 2021–2025 – 2021 Dec forecast

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