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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