Customer Environment Sweet Spots
This page outlines the types of customer environments where DR M excels in assessment and provides maximum value for migration planning. Understanding these sweet spots helps partners identify ideal customer scenarios and position DR M effectively.
Infrastructure Types Where DR M Excels
VMware Environments
DR M provides exceptional value for VMware-based infrastructures, particularly:
Large-scale vSphere environments with complex application dependencies
Organizations planning Azure VMware Solution (AVS) migrations
Why DR M Excels:
- Deep VMware integration with vCenter discovery
- Comprehensive dependency mapping across virtual infrastructure
- Accurate sizing recommendations for AVS node types
- Support for vSphere 6.0 and above
Deployment Model Sweet Spots:
- SaaS (Cloud Hosted): Ideal for customers seeking quick setup with minimal infrastructure management - perfect for rapid VMware assessments
- Marketplace (Customer Hosted): Best for customers with strict data sovereignty requirements or existing Azure infrastructure investments
Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Scenarios
DR M is particularly effective for customers with:
Mix of on-premises and cloud workloads
Diverse infrastructure including VMware, Hyper-V, and physical servers
Key Benefits:
- Unified assessment across multiple platforms
- Consistent migration planning regardless of source environment
- Comprehensive cost modeling for hybrid scenarios
Deployment Model Sweet Spots:
- SaaS (Cloud Hosted): Excellent for customers with distributed teams needing secure web access and centralized management
- Marketplace (Customer Hosted): Perfect for customers with existing Azure infrastructure who want to maintain full control over their assessment environment
Azure Migrate Integration Sweet Spot
DR M provides exceptional value for customers who have already invested in Azure Migrate discovery:
Why This is a Sweet Spot:
- No Discovery Overhead: Customers avoid repeating the discovery process
- Faster Time to Value: Immediate access to comprehensive infrastructure data
- Enhanced Analysis: DR M’s advanced analytics on top of Azure Migrate’s robust discovery
- Cost Efficiency: Leverage existing Azure Migrate investment for deeper insights
- Seamless Integration: Direct connection to Azure Migrate projects via API
Deployment Model Sweet Spots:
- SaaS (Cloud Hosted): Perfect for customers who want to quickly leverage existing Azure Migrate data without additional infrastructure deployment
- Marketplace (Customer Hosted): Ideal for customers who prefer to keep all assessment tools within their Azure tenant alongside their Azure Migrate projects
DMC Discovery Acceleration Sweet Spot
DR M excels with customers who haven’t committed to discovery yet, using DMC (Dr Migrate Collector) for rapid assessment:
Customers can start assessment without Azure Migrate setup
DMC provides immediate infrastructure insights
Why This is a Sweet Spot:
- Immediate Assessment: No need to wait for Azure Migrate appliance deployment
- Lightweight Discovery: DMC runs locally with minimal infrastructure requirements
- Secure Data Collection: On-premises execution with encrypted result sets
- Flexible Deployment: Can be run from jump boxes or existing management servers
- Rapid Results: Point-in-time performance data and infrastructure mapping
Deployment Model Sweet Spots:
- SaaS (Cloud Hosted): Perfect for customers who want to start assessment immediately while keeping DR M hosted in the cloud
- Marketplace (Customer Hosted): Ideal for customers who prefer to keep both discovery and assessment tools within their Azure tenant
Container Assessment Sweet Spot
DR M excels in assessing containerized environments, particularly for customers with:
Container Assessment Capabilities:
- Technology Detection: Identifies containerization technologies (Kubernetes/Docker) running on servers
- Support Status: Determines whether containerization software is supported or out of support
- Azure Compatibility: Provides compatibility assessment for migration to AKS
- Dependency Mapping: Includes server dependency mappings and network interactions
- Worker Node Analysis: Assesses underlying cluster infrastructure and utilization
Why This is a Sweet Spot:
- Growing Container Adoption: Many enterprises are containerizing applications
- Migration Complexity: Container migrations require specialized assessment tools
- Azure AKS Focus: Direct path to Azure Kubernetes Service migration planning
- Infrastructure Insights: Understanding both container and underlying infrastructure needs
Deployment Model Sweet Spots:
- SaaS (Cloud Hosted): Excellent for customers with container expertise who want to focus on assessment rather than infrastructure management
- Marketplace (Customer Hosted): Perfect for customers with existing container management tools who want to integrate DR M into their existing Azure ecosystem
Customer Size and Complexity Sweet Spots
Mid to Enterprise Scale
DR M delivers maximum value for organizations with:
| Environment Size | Characteristics | Why DR M Excels | Recommended Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500-2,000 VMs | Growing complexity, need for modernization | Comprehensive assessment without overwhelming complexity | SaaS: Quick setup, minimal overhead |
| 2,000-10,000 VMs | Enterprise complexity, multiple applications | Advanced dependency mapping and application discovery | Marketplace: Enhanced control, existing Azure investment |
| 10,000+ VMs | Large-scale transformation, strategic planning | Enterprise-grade scalability and detailed insights | Marketplace: Performance optimization, full tenant control |
Application Complexity
DR M excels with customers experiencing:
Many applications with unclear dependencies
Older applications requiring cloud transformation
Applications requiring careful migration planning
Industry-Specific Sweet Spots
Financial Services
Why DR M Excels:
- Regulatory compliance requirements
- Complex application dependencies
- High availability needs
- Security-focused migration planning
Healthcare
Why DR M Excels:
- HIPAA compliance considerations
- Critical patient care systems
- Complex integration requirements
- Data sovereignty needs
Manufacturing
Why DR M Excels:
- Legacy industrial systems
- Operational technology integration
- Real-time processing requirements
- Cost optimization focus
Migration Readiness Indicators
High-Value Assessment Scenarios
DR M provides exceptional value when customers have:
Key Indicators:
- Active Azure subscription or planning
- Executive sponsorship for cloud migration
- IT transformation budget allocated
- Clear business drivers for change
Assessment Complexity Factors
DR M’s value increases with:
| Factor | Low Value | High Value |
|---|---|---|
| Application Count | <50 applications | 100+ applications |
| Server Count | <200 servers | 500+ servers |
| Dependencies | Simple, well-documented | Complex, undocumented |
| Platform Diversity | Single platform | Multiple platforms |
| Business Criticality | Low-risk applications | High-risk, business-critical apps |
Success Metrics and Outcomes
Typical Value Delivered
Customers typically achieve:
15-30% infrastructure cost reduction
Clear roadmap and timeline
Identified and addressed migration risks
Partner Benefits
Partners gain:
- Credibility: Professional assessment methodology
- Opportunity Expansion: Foundation for broader transformation projects
- Customer Trust: Data-driven migration recommendations
- Revenue Growth: Assessment services and follow-on projects
Comprehensive Reporting Capabilities
DR M provides extensive reporting and insights that deliver exceptional value to customers:
Executive Reports
Immediate infrastructure assessment and opportunity identification
Comprehensive digital estate analysis with modernization pathways
Security footprint analysis with Azure modernization pathways
Key Benefits:
- Rapid Insights: Immediate infrastructure assessment and opportunity identification
- Migration Strategy Plan: Comprehensive digital estate analysis with modernization pathways
- Security Insights: Security footprint analysis with Azure modernization pathways
Interactive Power BI Dashboards
Executive Summary
- High-level progress metrics and risk indicators
- Migration readiness assessment and key progress indicators
Inventory Analysis
- Detailed server and application drill-down views
- Application mapping and server relationship analysis
Dependency Mapping
- Visual application and server communication patterns
- Network traffic analysis and application dependencies
SQL Insights
- Performance, configuration, and consolidation analysis
- Database migration planning and optimization
6R Strategy Views
- Migration treatment distribution and impact analysis
- Strategic planning validation and treatment planning
Wave Planning
- Migration sequencing with cost and timeline estimates
- Resource allocation and timeline management
Advanced Analytics Features
Sustainability Reporting
- CO₂e reduction estimates and environmental impact
- Environmental impact metrics and sustainability reporting
What-If Scenarios
- Cost modeling with different Azure configurations
- Region, purchasing model, and storage tier comparisons
TCO & Cost Modeling
- Comprehensive cost comparisons and optimization
- Reserved Instance analysis and cost optimization
Application Sizing
- Complexity scoring for migration effort estimation
- Migration complexity assessment and resource planning
Quick Wins Identification
- POC and first-wave migration candidates
- Low-risk, high-value migration opportunities
Data Export Capabilities
Custom Tag Export
- Business metadata and application classification
- Comprehensive application and server categorization
Inventory Export
- Comprehensive server and database documentation
- Detailed estate discovery and baseline documentation
Network Export
- Application-level network traffic analysis
- Network architecture planning and dependency mapping
Wave Plan Reports
- Detailed migration timeline and resource planning
- Migration project planning and timeline management
Intel POP Export
- Technical analysis for Intel-based workloads
- Performance optimization and compatibility assessment
Real-Time Insights
Live Dashboards
- Near real-time data updates and analysis
- Dynamic data refresh and live reporting
Dynamic Reporting
- Reports that evolve with planning inputs
- Planning-driven insights and adaptive reporting
Automated Refresh
- Data synchronization with Azure Migrate projects
- Seamless data flow and automatic updates
Interactive Drill-Downs
- Detailed analysis from executive summaries
- Multi-level data exploration and analysis
Getting Started with Sweet Spot Customers
Qualification Questions
Ask potential customers:
- Infrastructure: What virtualization platforms do you use?
- Scale: How many servers and applications do you manage?
- Goals: What are your cloud migration objectives?
- Timeline: When do you plan to begin migration?
- Budget: Do you have budget allocated for migration planning?
Next Steps
For qualified customers:
- Schedule Discovery Call: Understand environment and goals
- Propose Assessment: Recommend appropriate DR M solution
- Demonstrate Value: Show relevant case studies and capabilities
- Close Engagement: Secure assessment project commitment
Pro Tip: Focus on customers with complex environments and clear migration goals. DR M’s value proposition is strongest when customers face significant assessment challenges that manual processes cannot effectively address.
Assessable Environments and Technology Stacks
DR M provides comprehensive assessment capabilities across a wide range of infrastructure types and technology stacks:
Infrastructure Platforms
| Platform Type | Support Level | Key Assessment Capabilities | Deployment Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| VMware vSphere | Full Support | vCenter discovery, VM dependency mapping, performance analysis, AVS sizing | Works with both SaaS and Marketplace deployments |
| Microsoft Hyper-V | Full Support | Host discovery, VM assessment, Windows Server analysis, Azure migration planning | Excellent Azure integration for Marketplace deployments |
| Physical Servers | Full Support | Direct server discovery, OS analysis, hardware assessment, cloud sizing | DMC provides secure on-premises data collection |
| IBM Cloud Kubernetes | Container Analysis | Worker node assessment, AKS compatibility, infrastructure sizing | New container analysis features available |
Operating Systems and Applications
| Technology Stack | Assessment Capabilities | Migration Insights | Modernization Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Server | Version support, end-of-life analysis, Azure compatibility | Azure VM sizing, Azure Hybrid Benefits | Azure App Service, Azure Functions |
| Linux Distributions | Ubuntu, Red Hat, CentOS, SUSE support analysis | Azure VM recommendations, container readiness | AKS, Azure Spring Apps, App Service |
| SQL Server | Performance analysis, version support, consolidation opportunities | Azure SQL Database, Managed Instance | Azure SQL Edge, Cosmos DB alternatives |
| Web Applications | IIS analysis, .NET framework assessment, dependency mapping | Azure App Service, Azure Functions | Containerization, microservices architecture |
| Business Applications | COTS software detection, licensing analysis, integration mapping | Azure VM hosting, SaaS alternatives | Modern cloud-native alternatives |
Cloud Migration Scenarios
| Migration Type | DR M Capabilities | Assessment Focus | Success Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lift and Shift | Infrastructure sizing, cost modeling, dependency mapping | Technical compatibility, minimal changes required | Cost optimization, performance improvement |
| Modernization | Application analysis, technology stack assessment, 6R treatment planning | Business value alignment, technical debt reduction | Enhanced capabilities, reduced maintenance |
| Container Migration | Container detection, AKS compatibility, infrastructure sizing | Container readiness, orchestration planning | Scalability improvement, operational efficiency |
| Hybrid Cloud | Multi-platform assessment, cost comparison, integration planning | Workload placement, connectivity requirements | Optimized resource utilization, cost control |
Industry-Specific Scenarios
| Industry | Key Assessment Areas | Compliance Considerations | Migration Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | High availability, security posture, regulatory compliance | SOX, PCI-DSS, regional regulations | Cost reduction, scalability, security enhancement |
| Healthcare | Patient data systems, HIPAA compliance, system availability | HIPAA, HITECH, data sovereignty | Modernization, security improvement, cost optimization |
| Manufacturing | Operational technology, real-time systems, legacy applications | Industry-specific regulations, safety requirements | Digital transformation, operational efficiency |
| Retail | E-commerce platforms, inventory systems, customer data | PCI-DSS, GDPR, regional privacy laws | Scalability, customer experience, cost reduction |
Platform Support Matrix
Understanding DR M’s support levels for different scenarios helps partners set appropriate expectations and identify the best customer fit:
Full Support Scenarios
| Scenario | Support Level | Key Capabilities | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| VMware vSphere (6.0+) | ✅ Full Support | Complete discovery, dependency mapping, AVS sizing, performance analysis | Enterprise VMware environments, AVS migrations |
| Microsoft Hyper-V | ✅ Full Support | Host discovery, VM assessment, Windows Server analysis | Hyper-V environments, Windows-focused migrations |
| Physical Windows/Linux Servers | ✅ Full Support | Direct discovery, OS analysis, hardware assessment | Bare metal environments, legacy infrastructure |
| Azure Migrate Integration | ✅ Full Support | Seamless data ingestion, enhanced analytics, cost modeling | Customers with existing Azure Migrate projects |
| DMC Data Collection | ✅ Full Support | Secure on-premises discovery, encrypted results, flexible deployment | Customers without Azure Migrate, security-focused |
| Windows Server (2008 R2+) | ✅ Full Support | Version analysis, end-of-life assessment, Azure compatibility | Windows migration planning, modernization |
| Linux Distributions | ✅ Full Support | Ubuntu, Red Hat, CentOS, SUSE analysis, container readiness | Linux workload migration, container planning |
| SQL Server Assessment | ✅ Full Support | Performance analysis, version support, consolidation planning | Database migration, Azure SQL planning |
Partial Support Scenarios
| Scenario | Support Level | Current Capabilities | Limitations | Roadmap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Container Analysis | 🔶 Partial Support | Worker node assessment, AKS compatibility, basic container detection | Limited container introspection, no individual container analysis | Enhanced container insights coming soon |
| AWS Workloads | 🔶 Partial Support | Basic infrastructure assessment via DMC | No native AWS integration, limited AWS-specific recommendations | AWS integration planned for future releases |
| Multi-Cloud Assessment | 🔶 Partial Support | Individual platform assessment, cost comparison | No unified multi-cloud dashboard, limited cross-platform optimization | Multi-cloud dashboard in development |
| Legacy Operating Systems | 🔶 Partial Support | Windows Server 2008 R2+, modern Linux distributions | No support for Windows Server 2003, very old Linux versions | Focus on supported OS versions |
Not Currently Supported
| Scenario | Current Status | Alternative Approaches | Future Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainframe Systems | ❌ Not Supported | Partner with mainframe specialists, focus on distributed systems | Mainframe assessment not in current roadmap |
| Mobile Applications | ❌ Not Supported | Focus on backend infrastructure, API assessment | Mobile app assessment not planned |
| IoT Device Assessment | ❌ Not Supported | Focus on IoT backend infrastructure, data processing systems | IoT assessment capabilities under evaluation |
| Legacy Unix Systems | ❌ Not Supported | Focus on modern Linux distributions, Windows Server | Legacy Unix support not planned |
Support Considerations by Deployment Model
| Deployment Model | Best Supported Scenarios | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| SaaS (Cloud Hosted) | All fully supported scenarios, quick setup, distributed teams | Internet connectivity required, data sovereignty considerations |
| Marketplace (Customer Hosted) | All fully supported scenarios, enhanced performance, full control | Azure tenant required, infrastructure management overhead |
Support Level Definitions:
- ✅ Full Support: Complete feature set, comprehensive assessment, full reporting capabilities
- 🔶 Partial Support: Core functionality available, some limitations, roadmap for enhancement
- ❌ Not Supported: No current capabilities, alternative approaches recommended