SQLBits 2026
Real World Modernization of Complex SQL Workloads with Azure SQL - Part 2
Following on from the first part of this session and the initial overview of Azure SQL’s features and migration tools, this second part of our session dives into real customer modernization projects in greater detail. We’ll explore how various organizations successfully migrated critical workloads to Azure SQL, including the motivations that drove their decisions and the practical steps they took to ensure a smooth transition to Azure. By examining these concrete real-world examples, you’ll discover the tangible benefits these organizations are now experiencing, such as improved performance, scalability, and cost efficiency. Additionally, you’ll gain actionable insights and best practices that can help guide your own cloud modernization efforts, making your journey to Azure SQL both effective and rewarding.
Following on from the first part of this session and the initial overview of Azure SQL’s features and migration tools, this second part of our session dives into real customer modernization projects in greater detail. We’ll explore how various organizations successfully migrated critical workloads to Azure SQL, including the motivations that drove their decisions and the practical steps they took to ensure a smooth transition to Azure. By examining these concrete real-world examples, you’ll discover the tangible benefits these organizations are now experiencing, such as improved performance, scalability, and cost efficiency. Additionally, you’ll gain actionable insights and best practices that can help guide your own cloud modernization efforts, making your journey to Azure SQL both effective and rewarding.
Speakers
Manish Kumar's other proposed sessions for 2026
Real World Modernization of Complex SQL Workloads with Azure SQL - Part 1 - 2026
Manish Kumar's previous sessions
Empowering SQL: Mastering Intelligent Query Processing in 20 Minutes
Dive into the heart of database optimization with our 20-minute session on Intelligent Query Processing (IQP) in SQL Server and Azure SQL. In this power-packed talk, we will demystify IQP, the driving force behind accelerated query performance.
We'll begin with a quick overview, highlighting the pivotal role of IQP in query optimization and database efficiency. Then, we'll dive into key IQP features focusing on their impacts in real-world.
Managed Instance Link - Seamless migration to Azure
We, the cloud solutions architects from Microsoft, will be talking around SQL migration journey from on-prem to Azure SQL in general, taking you through all available Microsoft's migration tools like DMA, DMS, Azure Migrate, ADS, etc, and then focus on migration to Managed Instance using SQL MI Link. You should take away with you the understanding of when to use which tool and how the newly available Azure SQL Managed Instance Link can help you to achieve a minimum downtime migration of on-prem SQL Server to Azure SQL Managed Instance.
The Power of Polybase with SQL - True data Virtualisation
Customers would be able to understand what exactly Polybase is, why it's useful, what are the use cases and finally how to use this feature of SQL Server.
Polybase have been around for quite some time, since SQL Server 2016, however, the awareness and the way it virtualises the data may not have been understood well for some customers.
Performance Tuning of Azure SQL DB
Manish Kumar from Microsoft will take you through various performance tuning measures you should take before increasing service tier of your database. The session will be packed with tons of information, steps and demos.
Haider Raza
Haider Raza's other proposed sessions for 2026
Real World Modernization of Complex SQL Workloads with Azure SQL - Part 1 - 2026
Haider Raza's previous sessions
Empowering SQL: Mastering Intelligent Query Processing in 20 Minutes
Dive into the heart of database optimization with our 20-minute session on Intelligent Query Processing (IQP) in SQL Server and Azure SQL. In this power-packed talk, we will demystify IQP, the driving force behind accelerated query performance.
We'll begin with a quick overview, highlighting the pivotal role of IQP in query optimization and database efficiency. Then, we'll dive into key IQP features focusing on their impacts in real-world.
Managed Instance Link - Seamless migration to Azure
We, the cloud solutions architects from Microsoft, will be talking around SQL migration journey from on-prem to Azure SQL in general, taking you through all available Microsoft's migration tools like DMA, DMS, Azure Migrate, ADS, etc, and then focus on migration to Managed Instance using SQL MI Link. You should take away with you the understanding of when to use which tool and how the newly available Azure SQL Managed Instance Link can help you to achieve a minimum downtime migration of on-prem SQL Server to Azure SQL Managed Instance.
The Power of Polybase with SQL - True data Virtualisation
Customers would be able to understand what exactly Polybase is, why it's useful, what are the use cases and finally how to use this feature of SQL Server.
Polybase have been around for quite some time, since SQL Server 2016, however, the awareness and the way it virtualises the data may not have been understood well for some customers.
Des FitzGerald
Des FitzGerald's other proposed sessions for 2026
Ask Me Anything: Migrating On-Prem SQL Server to Azure SQL – Real-World Experience - 2026
Real World Modernization of Complex SQL Workloads with Azure SQL - Part 1 - 2026
SQL Performance Supercharged: Strategies for Azure SQL Performance and Cost Optimization - Part 1 - 2026
SQL Performance Supercharged: Strategies for Azure SQL Performance and Cost Optimization - Part 2 - 2026
Des FitzGerald's previous sessions
Accelerate your Oracle & Mainframe Modernization journey to Azure SQL
Come join this session if you are helping Oracle, Mainframe/AS400 workloads move to SQL and Azure. You will understand our product strategy, reusable solutions, and get to know real world customer case studies who have done this on Azure/SQL for their mission critical workloads.
SQL Modernization Journey with Tools, Assets & Migration Best Practices
This session gives an overview of your SQL modernization journey to Azure SQL using Azure SQL Migration Tools, Custom solutions and Migration Best practices
Dominik Bender
Dominik Bender's other proposed sessions for 2026
Real World Modernization of Complex SQL Workloads with Azure SQL - Part 1 - 2026
SQL Performance Supercharged: Strategies for Azure SQL Performance and Cost Optimization - Part 1 - 2026
SQL Performance Supercharged: Strategies for Azure SQL Performance and Cost Optimization - Part 2 - 2026