4/12/2024 Migration Plan
Transitioning from DigitalOcean to
Microsoft Azure
DevOps Team
SMARTINNO ENGINEERING
Migration Plan: Transitioning from DigitalOcean to Microsoft Azure
Executive Summary
As the evaluation, we are migrating our Docker-based applications from DigitalOcean to
Microsoft Azure. This strategic move aims to leverage Azure's scalable, efficient, and cost-
effective cloud services to support our growing infrastructure needs. The migration will
enhance our operational efficiency, improve scalability, and optimize costs while aligning
with our long-term business objectives.
Objectives
• Scalability Enhancement: Utilize Azure's robust services to scale applications
seamlessly.
• Cost Optimization: Reduce operational costs through efficient resource
management and Azure's cost-effective solutions.
• Improved Performance: Leverage advanced features for better application
performance and reliability.
• Security and Compliance: Enhance security measures and ensure compliance
with industry standards.
Benefits of Migration
• Scalable Infrastructure: Azure's services like AKS and ACI provide auto-scaling
capabilities to handle variable workloads efficiently.
• Cost Efficiency: Optimize resource utilization and reduce overhead with Azure's
pricing models and reserved instances.
• Advanced Security: Implement robust security measures with Azure's built-in
security features and compliance certifications.
• Enhanced Performance: Improve application responsiveness and reliability
through Azure's global network and performance optimization tools.
• Operational Excellence: Streamline DevOps processes with Azure's CI/CD
pipelines, monitoring tools, and automation capabilities.
High-Level Migration Plan
1. Assessment of Current Environment (COMPLETED)
• Inventory Docker Containers: Document all running containers, their purposes,
and configurations.
• Identify Dependencies: Map out inter-container communications and external
service dependencies.
• Evaluate Storage Needs: Assess data volumes, persistent storage, and databases
in use.
2. Designing the Azure Architecture
• Select Azure Services:
o Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS): For orchestrating containerized
applications at scale.
o Azure Container Instances (ACI): For running containers without server
management.
o Azure App Service for Containers: For deploying web apps using Docker
containers.
• Implement Architecture Principles:
o Microservices: Break down applications for better scalability.
o Scalability and Cost Efficiency: Utilize autoscaling and optimize resource
tiers.
• Networking and Security Setup:
o Virtual Networks (VNet): Isolate different application tiers.
o Load Balancing: Use Azure Load Balancer or Application Gateway.
o Security Measures: Implement NSGs, Azure Firewall, and Key Vault.
3. Migration Planning
• Container Registry Migration:
o Set up Azure Container Registry (ACR) and migrate Docker images.
• Deployment Strategy:
o Utilize blue-green deployments and canary releases to minimize downtime.
• Data Migration:
o Migrate databases to Azure Database services.
o Use Azure Managed Disks or Azure Files for persistent storage.
4. Azure Environment Setup
• Resource Organization:
o Create resource groups based on projects and environments.
• Networking Configuration:
o Set up VNets, subnets, and private endpoints.
• Security Configuration:
o Implement Azure Active Directory and RBAC.
o Ensure compliance with industry standards.
5. Implementing CI/CD Pipelines
• Automation:
o Use Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions for building, testing, and deploying.
• Infrastructure as Code:
o Employ Terraform or ARM templates for resource provisioning.
• Testing Integration:
o Incorporate unit tests, integration tests, and security scans.
6. Migration Execution
• Deploy to AKS:
o Set up clusters and deploy applications using Kubernetes tools.
• Deploy to ACI and App Service:
o Use for smaller workloads and web applications respectively.
• Scaling Configuration:
o Implement Horizontal Pod Autoscaler (HPA) for automatic scaling.
7. Testing and Validation
• Functional Testing: Ensure all services are operational.
• Performance Testing: Use Azure Load Testing to simulate traffic.
• Security Testing: Conduct vulnerability scans and penetration tests.
8. Cutover Strategy
• DNS and Traffic Management:
o Use Azure Traffic Manager and update DNS records accordingly.
• Monitoring During Cutover:
o Monitor application performance with Azure Monitor and Application
Insights.
• Communication Plan:
o Inform stakeholders about migration schedules and impacts.
9. Post-Migration Activities
• Performance Tuning:
o Adjust resources based on utilization data.
o Implement caching and CDN services.
• Cost Optimization:
o Analyze spending with Azure Cost Management.
o Right-size resources to avoid over-provisioning.
• Security Enhancements:
o Schedule regular security audits and compliance checks.
10. Decommissioning DigitalOcean Resources
• Verification: Confirm all services run smoothly on Azure.
• Resource Cleanup: Terminate services and delete resources on DigitalOcean.
• Data Sanitization: Securely wipe data from old storage volumes.
11. Documentation and Training
• Update Documentation:
o Revise architecture diagrams and operational procedures.
• Team Training:
o Provide training on Azure services and best practices.
Resource Requirements
• Personnel:
o DevOps Engineers
o Security Specialists
• Tools and Services:
o Azure Subscription and relevant service tiers
o Azure DevOps or GitHub Enterprise
o Monitoring and testing tools
• Budget Allocation:
o Estimated costs for Azure services during migration and after cutover
o Training and development expenses
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Risk Assessment and Mitigation
• Data Loss Risk:
o Mitigation: Implement robust backup and replication strategies.
• Downtime Risk:
o Mitigation: Use blue-green deployments and canary releases.
• Security Vulnerabilities:
o Mitigation: Conduct thorough security testing and use Azure's security
features.
• Cost Overruns:
o Mitigation: Monitor expenses closely with Azure Cost Management and
adjust resources as needed.
Timeline and Milestones
1. Week 1: Assessment and Planning(8 hours)
2. Week 3-4: Azure Environment Setup and CI/CD Implementation
3. Week 5-6: Migration of Containers and Data
4. Week 7: Testing and Validation
5. Week 8: Cutover Execution
6. Week 9: Post-Migration Optimization
7. Week 10: Decommissioning DigitalOcean Resources
8. Ongoing: Monitoring, Training, and Optimization
Note: the above timeline and milestones can be adjusted depending on project
microservice services and priorities.
Conclusion
Migrating to Azure will position us for future growth by providing a scalable, efficient, and
secure infrastructure. This migration aligns with our strategic goals and will deliver long-
term benefits, including cost savings, improved performance, and enhanced security.