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SQL Server 2016: Upgrade to 2022 or Migrate to Azure? | Atlas Systems

Written by Team Atlas | Aug 28, 2025 1:14:49 PM

Upgrade or Migrate Your SQL Server Infrastructure

Option 1: Upgrade to SQL Server 2022

If your organization needs to retain tight control over infrastructure, or you have compliance-heavy workloads that require on-prem environments, an upgrade to SQL Server 2022 might be the better path.

Key Benefits

  • Improved performance through query store hints, intelligent query processing, and parameter sensitivity.
  • Integration with Azure Synapse Link and Microsoft Purview—without forcing a full cloud shift.
  • Support for ledger-based security, which helps track tamper-evident data changes.
  • Smoother upgrade path if you are currently on SQL Server 2016, with familiar administration interfaces.

Drawbacks

  • Continued infrastructure maintenance and hardware investment.
  • Performance gains depend on compatibility level updates, which may break legacy procedures.
  • Requires careful capacity planning and testing for deprecated features.

Option 2: Migrate to Azure SQL

Cloud migration offers flexibility and reduced maintenance, especially for teams looking to offload infrastructure headaches and scale on demand. Microsoft provides two key options:

Azure SQL Database (PaaS)

  • Fully managed, no server maintenance.
  • Ideal for modern, decoupled applications.
  • Limited control over the underlying OS and SQL Server versioning.

Azure SQL Managed Instance (IaaS-lite)

  • Best suited for lift-and-shift workloads that require broad SQL Server feature compatibility.
  • Retains much of SQL Server’s traditional structure but managed by Microsoft.
  • Ideal when custom jobs, linked servers, or legacy features must remain intact.

Key decision factors

Factor Upgrade to SQL Server 2022 Migrate to Azure
Infrastructure Control Full (on-prem or hybrid) Minimal (PaaS) or Moderate (Managed Instance)
Maintenance Burden High Low
Performance Optimization Manual tuning required Auto-scaling and built-in telemetry
Backup and Recovery DIY (must test regularly) Built-in, automated
Security and Patch Management Internal responsibility Microsoft-managed
Cost Model CapEx (hardware, licensing) OpEx (subscription, reserved pricing)
Compliance Readiness High if tightly controlled Meets major regulatory standards
Modern Analytics Tools Available through add-ons Native integration (Power BI, Synapse, etc.)

Quick view chart – upgrade vs migration

Use Case Best Fit Path
Your apps rely on local integrations Upgrade
You want to stop managing servers Migrate
You need hybrid Azure connectivity Upgrade
You need native cloud scalability Migrate
You are under tight compliance scrutiny Upgrade (or Managed Instance)
Your DBA team is stretched thin Migrate
You need HA/DR out of the box Migrate
You want to avoid long procurement cycles Migrate

SQL Server Readiness Assessment Grid

Category Ready Needs Work Blocking Issue
DMA scan results clean ✅ ⚠️ ❌
Backup strategy documented and tested ✅ ⚠️ ❌
App compatibility confirmed ✅ ⚠️ ❌
Resource plan in place (budget, personnel) ✅ ⚠️ ❌
Security and access rights audited ✅ ⚠️ ❌
ESU decision resolved ✅ ⚠️ ❌

This grid can be used by IT teams to self-evaluate and present their current modernization readiness to leadership in a clear, snapshot format
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