Microsoft launches Azure Migrate and Azure Innovate at Inspire 2023

Microsoft debuted two new services at Inspire 2023 focused on growing Azure by encouraging more public cloud migrations and accelerating uptake of AI services.

The announcement of Azure Migrate recasts the Azure Migration and Modernization Program (AMMP) as Azure Migrate and Modernize, which Microsoft describes as an “expanded” offering that builds on capabilities previously in AMMP.

The changes bring support for the migration of new workloads like high performance computing, Oracle, SAP, and Linux, as well as new support for mainframe migration.

The focus with Azure Innovate is somewhat different, offering new support for partners that want to add AI into apps and advanced analytics.

“Azure Innovate will help at each stage from planning to deployment. You will receive guided assistance as you explore and design capabilities for your unique business workloads and be able to use pilots and POCs, assessments for application modernization, resources for analytics migration and modernization, and receive assistance deploying your own AI copilot using your data,” stated Cyril Belikoff, General Manager of GTM marketing for Azure and Industry Clouds at Microsoft.

Azure Migrate and Azure Innovate are designed with significant overlapping features. Guidance with assessment, proof of concepts, pilots, and development assistance are matched up with frameworks such as the Cloud Adoption Framework and Well-Architected Framework, Microsoft supported delivery, and a network of partner expertise. Migrate provides a set of unique capabilities, such as automated discovery and assessment tooling, together with business case analysis.

“Based on last year’s program success, we anticipate these investments will enable us to activate our Azure specialized partners driving three times as many new projects this year alone. For our customers, whether you are migrating to gain a secure and AI-ready foundation, or you are ready to build your own AI powered apps, now you have everything you need in one place. Our new offerings have expanded scenario coverage, richer investments and offers, and guidance from Microsoft experts and specialized partners,” stated Microsoft CVP Alysa Taylor.