Expanding Azure SQL Managed Instance Capabilities for Migration and Modernization

Azure SQL Managed Instance group product manager outlines recent capabilities that broaden what teams can do during and after migration from SQL Server to Azure. The session links service selection, migration methods, performance/cost tuning, and post-migration application modernization into a practical sequence.

■ Migration options and MI Link
- Managed Instance positioning between SQL Server on Azure VMs and Azure SQL Database Hyperscale
- Online migration paths, including MI Link and new support for availability groups with multiple databases

■ Resource flexibility and demos
- Next-gen General Purpose storage and independent IOPS, memory, and compute tuning
- Demonstrations of MI Link setup/failover and live IOPS scaling; zone redundancy preview and higher log throughput

■ Modernization and update policy
- SQL Server 2022/2025 update policies and portability trade-offs
- Vector/AI, JSON, change streaming, Data API Builder, and a four-step modernization path with a free proof-of-concept offer

The session targets database architects, migration leads, and platform teams evaluating Azure SQL Managed Instance. It provides a structured view of migration paths, resource controls, and modernization options to assess for SQL Server estates.