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.