Azure, SQL Server Migration and Microsoft Fabric FAQs | ABCOM

Many small businesses run ageing on-premises servers with data spread across SQL Server, other databases and line-of-business apps. Moving to Azure removes hardware renewals, adds built-in backup and security, and puts your data in a place that Power BI, Microsoft Fabric and AI tools can use.

SQL Server 2014 is out of support, SQL Server 2016 reached the end of extended support in July 2026, and Windows Server 2016 reaches end of extended support in January 2027. Always confirm dates on Microsoft’s lifecycle pages. Unsupported software no longer receives security updates and can fail Cyber Essentials.

It lets you use existing Windows Server and SQL Server licences with Software Assurance on Azure at a reduced rate, which can significantly cut running costs. We check eligibility as part of a migration assessment.

Often, once you include hardware replacement, power, backup, cooling, licences and support time. Microsoft states that SQL Server on Azure can cost up to 28% less than a comparable AWS deployment and up to 58% less for databases with the right options. Savings depend on your workload, so we model it before you commit.

The usual paths are SQL Server on an Azure virtual machine (the quickest lift-and-shift), Azure SQL Managed Instance (a managed service with minimal changes) and Azure SQL Database (serverless or Hyperscale for modern apps). The right choice depends on application compatibility and budget.

Microsoft Fabric is a single data platform that brings data integration, analytics, databases, real-time intelligence and Power BI together on one storage layer called OneLake. It is designed to make your data ready for AI.

Not always. If your reporting lives in a handful of spreadsheets, Power BI may be enough. Fabric makes sense when data sits in several systems and you want trusted reporting and AI on top. We start with a short data discovery to see what you actually need.

AI is only as good as the data it uses. AI-ready data is unified, clean, secured and governed, so tools such as Copilot and AI agents give accurate answers and do not expose information to the wrong people.

We apply identity protection and multi-factor authentication, Defender for Cloud and secure score recommendations, backup and disaster recovery, and monitoring. Security should be built into every tier, not added later.

Yes. Azure Virtual Desktop lets staff use secure Windows desktops from anywhere. It suits businesses replacing ageing remote desktop servers.

Small migrations typically take weeks, not months, and we schedule cutovers out of hours. We start with an assessment and plan so there are no surprises.

Book a free IT review or call 01444 871200. We will check what you run today, what is out of support, what a move would cost and the quickest safe path.