Frequently Asked Questions for Microsoft Azure Migration Services

Professional Advantage can migrate a wide range of workloads to Microsoft Azure, including servers, applications, databases, file storage, and virtual desktops. We also help move line-of-business systems, collaboration platforms like SharePoint, and third-party applications to the cloud.  
 
Beyond lift-and-shift migrations, we modernise workloads to take advantage of Azure-native services for security, scalability, and cost efficiency. With our proven frameworks and Microsoft expertise, we ensure your migration is smooth, secure, and aligned to your business goals.

The duration of an Azure migration depends on the size and complexity of your IT environment, the number of applications, and the level of customisation required. On average, small workloads or pilot projects can be migrated in a few weeks, while medium to large-scale enterprise migrations often take 3 to 12 months.  
 
Factors that influence the timeline include: 

• Assessment and planning – analysing existing infrastructure, dependencies, and compliance needs.
• Application and data migration – moving workloads, databases, and files to Azure.
• Testing and optimisation – ensuring performance, security, and user experience.
• Change management – training staff and updating processes.

 
Working with an experienced Microsoft partner like Professional Advantage can significantly reduce migration time by streamlining planning, leveraging automation, and applying best practices.

Contact us here for assistance in your migration.

Some downtime may be required during an Azure migration, but the amount depends on the migration strategy. Many organisations use phased or hybrid approaches that allow workloads to run on-premises and in Azure, minimising disruption.  
 
With the right planning, tools such as Azure Migrate and replication technologies can help achieve near-zero downtime for critical applications. As your migration partner, we will schedule any necessary cutover activities during off-peak hours to reduce business impact.

After an Azure migration, your workloads run in the cloud and are monitored to ensure performance, security, and reliability. Post-migration activities typically include:

• Validation and testing – confirming applications, data, and integrations work as expected.
• Optimisation – fine-tuning performance, scaling resources, and controlling costs.
• Security and compliance checks – applying Azure security best practices and governance policies.
• Ongoing management – monitoring, backups, updates, and support.

Many organisations also adopt cloud-native services like Azure Backup, Azure Virtual Desktop, or Azure Security Centre to maximise the value of their cloud investment.

Your data is highly secure during an Azure migration. Microsoft uses end-to-end encryption, both in transit and at rest, to protect sensitive information. Migration tools such as Azure Migrate and Azure Site Recovery follow strict security and compliance standards, including ISO, SOC, and GDPR. Access is tightly controlled, and best practices like multi-factor authentication and role-based access are applied to safeguard your environment.

At Professional Advantage, we strengthen this security by applying proven migration frameworks, compliance expertise, and tailored governance strategies. Our team ensures your data remains protected at every stage while minimising business disruption and risk.