Microsoft has recently unveiled Azure Accelerate, a comprehensive program designed to streamline cloud and AI adoption for enterprises. This initiative consolidates the previous Azure Migrate and Modernize and Azure Innovate programs into a unified platform, offering expert guidance, funding, and deployment assistance to facilitate a smoother transition to the cloud.
Key Components of Azure Accelerate
A central feature of Azure Accelerate is the Cloud Accelerate Factory, which provides zero-cost deployment support for over 30 Azure services. This support is delivered in collaboration with specialized partners, ensuring that organizations receive hands-on assistance in deploying, migrating, and optimizing their cloud and AI workloads. The program encompasses various migration scenarios, including Windows Server, SQL Server, Linux, Oracle, and high-performance computing workloads. Additionally, it supports the development of intelligent applications using Microsoft's AI platform and scalable analytics solutions. (azure.microsoft.com)
Benefits for Enterprises
Azure Accelerate offers several advantages to organizations embarking on their cloud journey:
- Expert Guidance: Access to a network of Azure specialized partners who provide deep technical skills and industry-specific knowledge to design, implement, and optimize solutions tailored to business needs.
- Financial Support: Funding opportunities are available for all project types and phases, helping to minimize financial barriers and accelerate business outcomes.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The program simplifies the cloud journey with AI-powered tools and assessments, streamlining planning and business case development.
The Cloud Accelerate Factory is a pivotal element of Azure Accelerate, offering zero-cost deployment assistance for over 30 Azure services. This initiative is built on patterns and insights from thousands of customer deployments, providing hands-on Microsoft support grounded in proven best practices. The Factory aims to support projects across all geographies, although delivery may be subject to regional availability and language support limitations. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
Partner Involvement
Microsoft's approach with Azure Accelerate emphasizes collaboration with specialized partners. These partners are tasked with delivering hands-on deployment, migration, and optimization services for customers adopting AI and cloud workloads. This joint delivery model ensures that while Microsoft experts handle predictable, repeatable delivery tasks, partners can focus on solving complex challenges and delivering custom solutions. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
Getting Started with Azure Accelerate
Organizations interested in leveraging Azure Accelerate can begin by reaching out to the Azure sales team for personalized guidance or by working with one of Microsoft's specialized Azure partners. The program is designed to support various migration scenarios, including:
- Migrating Windows Server, SQL Server, Linux, and OSS database workloads to Azure.
- Migrating VMware to Azure VMware Solution.
- Migrating to SAP on Azure or SAP RISE.
- Migrating Oracle databases and applications to Azure.
- Building intelligent applications with Microsoft's AI platform.
- Implementing integration solutions with Azure API Management and Logic Apps.
Source: Redmond Channel Partner Microsoft Consolidates Cloud Migration Programs into 'Azure Accelerate' -- Redmond Channel Partner