BizTalk to Azure migration – Everything you need to know!

In this episode of Azure on Air, experts Sandro Pereira and Lex Hegt explore the journey of migrating from BizTalk Server to Azure Integration Services. Sandro Pereira is an Azure MVP with extensive enterprise integration experience, a well-known BizTalk community figure, and a regular speaker at integration conferences.

The conversation covers various aspects of migrating from BizTalk Server to Azure Integration Services, including the challenges involved, the benefits of migrating, and the best practices to follow.

Why Migrate from BizTalk Server to Azure Integration Services?

• Lack of a clear roadmap for BizTalk: Microsoft has not provided a clear roadmap for BizTalk Server, and many companies are looking to innovate and modernize their landscape.
• Difficulty in finding BizTalk skills: As BizTalk Server becomes less popular, finding skilled professionals who can work with the platform is becoming increasingly difficult.
• Azure Integration Services provides more dynamic and flexible integration options: Azure Integration Services provides a more dynamic and flexible integration platform, making it easier to connect all the pieces and do things in a different way.

Challenges in Migrating from BizTalk Server to Azure Integration Services

Migrating from BizTalk Server to Azure Integration Services is not a simple task. There are several challenges that need to be addressed:

• Understanding what is being migrated: It is essential to understand what is being migrated from BizTalk Server to Azure Integration Services. This requires a thorough understanding of the BizTalk Server solution and how it works.
• Different scenarios: There are several different scenarios in BizTalk Server, such as mesh-based routing, orchestrations, mappings, and connectors. Each scenario needs to be analyzed and addressed differently.
• SQL going out of support before BizTalk: SQL is going out of support before BizTalk Server, which can cause issues during the migration process.
• Finding new skills: As BizTalk Server becomes less popular, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find skilled professionals who can work with the platform. This can make the migration process more challenging.

Best Practices for Migrating from BizTalk Server to Azure Integration Services

To ensure a successful migration from BizTalk Server to Azure Integration Services, it is essential to follow best practices. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Understand the BizTalk Server solution: Before starting the migration process, it is essential to understand the BizTalk Server solution and how it works.
• Analyze the BizTalk Server solution: Analyze the BizTalk Server solution to identify the different scenarios and how they can be addressed in Azure Integration Services.
• Plan the migration: Plan the migration carefully, taking into account the different scenarios and how they can be addressed in Azure Integration Services.
• Test the migration: Test the migration thoroughly to ensure that it works as expected.
• Monitor the migration: Monitor the migration carefully to ensure that it is working as expected and to identify any issues that may arise.

Conclusion

Migrating from BizTalk Server to Azure Integration Services can be a challenging but rewarding process. By following best practices and addressing the challenges involved, it is possible to ensure a successful migration. With its dynamic and flexible integration options, Azure Integration Services provides a more modern and innovative integration platform, making it an excellent choice for companies looking to innovate and modernize their landscape.