Migration to Azure

Migration to Microsoft Azure

The key to effective IT

Migration to Azure effectively resolves the problem of limited scalability and flexibility in traditional IT environments. Benefits

High scalability: the ability to quickly adjust IT resources to changing business needs, without the need to invest in costly infrastructure.
Increased flexibility: simplified deployment of new applications and services, with access to the latest cloud-native technologies.
Cost optimisation: paying only for resources used for more effective IT budget management.
Security and compliance: access to advanced Azure security features that support regulatory compliance and data protection.

Planning

We conduct a detailed assessment of the current IT environment and identify the applications and data to be migrated. A migration plan is created, taking into account business objectives, technical requirements and time constraints.

Azure environment setup

We configure and prepare Azure infrastructure, including the creation of appropriate cloud resources, networks and security policies. Test environments are set up and compliance with regulatory requirements is ensured.

Data and application migration

We move data and applications to Azure, using "lift and shift" methods for existing workloads or re-platforming/re-factoring for cloud-native applications. Migration is carried out with minimal impact on operational activities.

Optimisation

We optimise performance, cost, and security in Azure following migration. The migration process is integrated with other Azure services and tools, including database management systems, AI and analytics.

Monitoring

We provide ongoing monitoring and management of the Azure environment to ensure its efficient operation. Regular reviews and adjustments are carried out to keep the Azure environment aligned with evolving business needs.

Transition to Azure Cloud for greater efficiency

Flexibility and scalability

Adapt your IT resources to a dynamic environment

Migration to Azure opens the door to unlimited flexibility and scalability.

Dynamic resource adjustment: the ability to rapidly scale IT infrastructure up or down in response to changing business needs, without the need to invest in physical resources.
Operational flexibility: Azure supports rapid adaptation to new market requirements, which is particularly important in industries such as e-commerce, where demand can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time.
Performance management: optimisation of application and service performance by adjusting resource usage to current load, translating into better service quality and customer satisfaction.
Cost control: paying only for what is actually used helps control operational costs, making Azure a cost-effective solution for companies of all sizes.

Azure and Microsoft 365 synergy

Boosting organisational productivity

Integrating Azure with Microsoft 365 opens up new possibilities of technological synergy for companies, combining the power of the cloud with advanced work and collaboration tools.

Streamlined daily operations: using Azure as a foundation for effective management of Microsoft 365 resources and applications, to ensure smooth cloud-based work and optimise business processes. This is particularly valuable in organisations operating in remote or hybrid work environments.
Security and compliance: shared security and compliance standards across Azure and Microsoft 365 guaranteeing data protection and fulfilment of legal requirements.
Remote device configuration: the ability to remotely configure devices after adding them to the Azure cloud; even those still packaged and located at the manufacturer or distributor.

Cost optimisation with Azure

Effective expenditure management in the Microsoft cloud

In Azure you pay only for the resources you actually use. Flexible scaling allows resources to be adjusted to current needs, meaning you do not incur costs for unused computing capacity.

Infrastructure cost reduction: by moving data and applications to the cloud, you can lower or entirely eliminate expenditure related to maintaining your own IT infrastructure, such as servers or data centres.
Advanced budget management tools: Azure includes analytical and monitoring tools that assist with forecasting and analysing expenditure, allowing for more strategic budget planning.
Performance and cost optimisation: modern Azure tools and services that increase operational efficiency while minimising unnecessary expenditure.

Key areas of migration to Azure

In our approach to Microsoft Azure migration, we focus on transferring the most critical parts of IT infrastructure in order to maximise the benefits of cloud technology for our clients. The most frequently migrated areas include:

Microsoft and Linux platforms: we efficiently migrate servers running Microsoft and Linux systems, leveraging the advantages of the Azure cloud to enhance performance and security.
Open-source and web applications: we move open-source and web applications to Azure, using the flexibility and scalability of the cloud to optimise their operation.
SAP and other partner solutions: we also specialise in migrating advanced systems such as SAP, leveraging the potential of Azure to maximise their performance and availability.

Azure migration strategies: rehosting and refactoring

During migration to Azure, we focus on two key strategies tailored to the individual needs and business objectives of our clients:

Rehosting (lift and shift):
This method involves directly transferring existing virtual servers to the Azure cloud environment. Rehosting is ideal for organisations looking for a fast transition to the cloud with minimal disruption to business operations. It allows later infrastructure modernisation by adapting and expanding services already operating in the cloud environment.
Refactoring (cloud-native):
Refactoring involves transforming and adapting applications to Azure’s native cloud solutions. This strategy is recommended for companies that want to take full advantage of the cloud’s capabilities, including automation, scalability and advanced data analytics. Refactoring can require deeper technical involvement, but it provides long-term advantages such as higher performance, improved integration, and reduced operational costs.

Microsoft Cloud and security standards / legal regulations

The Microsoft cloud ecosystem, including Azure, is distinguished by its ability to meet strict security standards and regulatory requirements both in Poland and across the European Union.

Compliance with local regulations: Microsoft Cloud strictly adheres to local data protection and privacy regulations, which is crucial for companies operating in Poland and the European Union
Security certifications and standards: Azure holds numerous security certificates confirming compliance with international and local standards, notably GDPR.
Secure data storage: the Microsoft cloud provides secure data storage through advanced encryption technologies and compliance with applicable legal requirements.

Azure Arc: managing hybrid environments

Integration and control beyond the Azure cloud

Azure Arc is a groundbreaking service from Microsoft that facilitates the management of resources hosted outside the Azure platform, opening up new possibilities for hybrid environments. Key aspects of Azure Arc include:

Server management: Azure Arc offers control of both physical and virtual machines running Windows or Linux, ensuring consistent IT infrastructure management.
Support for Kubernetes clusters: the service supports multiple Kubernetes distributions, enabling efficient management of containers and applications across diverse environments.
SQL Server integration: with Azure Arc, SQL Server instances can be registered and managed from any location, using the advanced management features available in Azure.

They recommend us

Check out what our partners are saying about us!

Trust and partnership approach to projects

Our long-standing cooperation with Centuria is based on high trust and partnership approach to projects, but also on the camaraderie within the project teams. Flexibility, good communication and our sense of security resulting from the support of a team of experts very familiar with Magento make us ready to recommend Centuria to others. We feel that we can always rely on them.

Borys Skraba - CEO

Strix

Proactive business partner

Centuria is a proactive business partner that doesn't wait for us to make a move, but independently looks for needed solutions or improvements that we can implement together. Together we have been working for years for the success of one of the largest Magento instances in Poland. Sincerity in cooperation and professional advice, which we are happy to use for years, are invaluable to us. With a clear conscience, we can recommend Centuria as an infrastructure expert.

Kuba Zwoliński

Snowdog

Partnership based on trust

We want to deliver high value to our customers. The key to ensuring the secure and smooth operation of Magento stores is the right server solutions. We needed a proactive partner in this area, one that looks for the best possible solutions itself and is very proactive. Centuria, with whom we have been working for about 2 years now, is such a partner for us. We really like how they streamline and organize every project they start working on. Centuria is a partner we trust and can recommend as an expert in server solutions for Magento.

Mateusz Ogonowski - Co-founder

Growcode sp. z o.o.

Recommended company

We have been working with Centuria for many years, valuing the team's extensive knowledge, experience and flexibility. The company stands out for its extremely professional approach to support and high responsiveness to the tickets we throw in. It is a great advisor on IT infrastructure management. A reliable business partner for the implementation of large e-commerce projects on Magento - definitely worth recommending.

Rafał Gadomski - CEO

Advox Studio

A reliable and competent partner!

We highly value cooperation with Centuria for their proactive approach, expertise and commitment at every stage of the project. Centuria's team has helped us more than once in selecting server solutions for our clients, and thanks to their experience and professional support, we have received solutions tailored to specific business needs. We recommend Centuria to anyone who needs a reliable and competent partner in the area of IT infrastructure.

Cezary Kożon - CEO

Spyrosoft Ecommerce S.A.

Acting in the customer's interest

In our opinion, Centuria is distinguished above all by acting in the interests of the client's company. Working with them, you can count on a personalized and individual approach to even the most difficult cases. We feel that the proposed solutions are "tailor-made" to our needs, by involving our agency in the process of their creation, based on joint discussions of possible solutions.

Paweł Biliński - CTO & co-founder

Lizard Media

Professionalism and expertise

I value the cooperation with Centuria above all for its professionalism and expertise related to Magento. This is an invaluable asset in critical situations. The 24/7 support gives great peace of mind to both us and our clients. I strongly recommend Centuria to anyone who takes business seriously and counts on a professional, stable partner for the development of their business.

Szymon Niedziela - CEO

Panda Group

Professionalism and high commitment

Together with Centuria, we are developing one of the largest e-commerce sales platforms based on Magento in Poland. Professionalism and high commitment directly translates into results. Centuria are specialists in administration and management of infrastructure with a very complex structure and a multitude of links between systems. The continuity and availability of the aforementioned system since the beginning of our cooperation is maintained in a way that meets our requirements, and orders are carried out with the utmost care.

Tomasz Stefanowski - Web Development Manager

Castorama Poland

Centuria proved a reliable and responsive partner for many years.

The team never left us wondering if things were getting done. We instead had full confidence that this knowledgable team knew what to do and that they'd get it done. I write this review because changes within our organization moved us in a different direction and we now no longer work with Centuria. To show my appreciation for their attentiveness and effectiveness

Charles Nicoletti

mTab

A reliable and experienced partner

Due to the specific nature of our e-commerce project gear.cdprojektred.com, we needed a reliable partner well-versed in modern technologies to quickly and efficiently implement the infrastructure for our application. Centuria handled the task in an exemplary manner and additionally ensured the stability of sales during the large promotional campaigns we were conducting.

Aleksandra Jarośkiewicz - Board Member

CD PROJEKT RED STORE

FAQ

What migration strategies are recommended when moving applications to Azure?

Depending on the application, we recommend lift and shift, re-platforming or re-factoring strategies to optimise performance and costs in the Azure environment.

Does Azure provide support for Docker containers and Kubernetes orchestration?

Yes, Azure offers services such as Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), which enable effective management of Docker containers and orchestration using Kubernetes.

How does Azure handle data security during migration?

We ensure encryption of data in transit and at rest, and apply strict security protocols to protect data throughout the entire migration process.

Can existing on-premises systems be integrated with Azure?

Yes. Azure provides several options, including Azure VPN Gateway and Azure ExpressRoute, that facilitate secure integration between on-premises infrastructure and the cloud.

What management and monitoring options does Azure offer after migration?

Azure comes with advanced management and monitoring tools, such as Azure Monitor and Azure Security Center, which offer full visibility and control over cloud resources.