Learn to Select a VMware migration option

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This tutorial will help you to Learn to Select a VMware migration option. You can migrate VMware VMs to Azure using the Azure Migrate Server Migration tool. This tool offers a couple of options for VMware VM migrate:

  • Migration using agentless replication. Migrate VMs without needing to install anything on them.
  • Also, with an agent for replication. Install an agent on the VM for replication.

Compare migrating methods

Use these selected comparisons to help you decide which method to use. You can also review full support requirements for agentless and agent-based migrate.

SettingAgentlessAgent-based
Azure permissionsYou need permissions to create an Azure Migrate project, and to register Azure AD apps created when you deploy the Azure Migrate appliance.You need Contributor permissions on the Azure subscription.
ReplicationA maximum of 300 VMs can be simultaneously replicated from a vCenter Server.
If you have more than 50 VMs for migration, create multiple batches of VMs.
Replicating more at a single time will impact performance.

In the portal, you can select up to 10 machines at once for replication. To replicate more machines, add in batches of 10.
Replication capacity increases by scaling the replication appliance.
Appliance deploymentThe Azure Migrate appliance is deployed on-premises.The Azure Migrate Replication appliance is deployed on-premises.
Site Recovery compatibilityCompatible.You can’t replicate with Azure Migrate Server Migration if you’ve set up replication for a machine using Site Recovery.
Target diskManaged disksManaged disks
Disk limitsOS disk: 2 TB

Data disk: 4 TB

Maximum disks: 60
OS disk: 2 TB

Data disk: 8 TB

Maximum disks: 63
Passthrough disksNot supportedSupported
UEFI bootNot supportedThe migrated VM in Azure will be automatically converted to a BIOS boot VM.

The OS disk should have up to four partitions, and volumes should be formatted with NTFS.

Comparing deployment steps

After reviewing the limitations, understanding the steps involved in deploying each solution might help you decide which option to choose.

TaskDetailsAgentlessAgent-based
Deploy the Azure Migrate applianceA lightweight appliance that runs on a VMware VM.

The appliance is used to discover and assess machines, and to migrate machines using agentless migration.
Required.

If you’ve already set up the appliance for assessment, you can use the same appliance for agentless migration.
Not required.

If you’ve set up an appliance for assessment, you can leave it in place, or remove it if you’re done with assessment.
Use the Server Assessment toolAssess machines with the Azure Migrate:Server Assessment tool.You can assess machines before you migrate them, but you don’t have to.Assessment is optionalAssessment is optional.
Use the Server Migration toolAdd the Azure Migrate Server Migration tool in the Azure Migrate project.RequiredRequired
Prepare VMware for migrationConfigure settings on VMware servers and VMs.Yes, RequiredAlso, Required
Install the Mobility service on VMsMobility service runs on each VM you want to replicateNot requiredRequired
Deploy the replication applianceThe replication appliance is used for agent-based migration. It connects between the Mobility service running on VMs, and Server Migration.Not requiredAgain, Required
Replicate VMs. Enable VM replication.Configure replication settings and select VMs to replicateRequiredIn addition, Required
Run a test migrationRun a test migration to make sure everything’s working as expected.RequiredAgain, Required
Run a full migrationMigrate the VMs.RequiredAlso, Required
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