Azure Virtual Machines – Upgrade GS Series to Esv5 or Mv3

Azure offers multiple virtual machine series with varying performance and cost characteristics. Upgrading from older GS series machines to newer Esv5 or Mv3 series can significantly reduce cloud infrastructure expenses while improving computational performance.

Detailed Explanation

Why This Policy Matters

Older Azure VM series like the GS machines often have higher costs and less efficient processors compared to newer generation instances. By strategically migrating to more modern VM series, organizations can:

• Reduce monthly infrastructure costs
• Improve computational performance
• Leverage newer processor technologies
• Optimize cloud spending efficiency

Cost Reduction Potential

Comparative analysis reveals substantial cost savings opportunities:

Example Scenario:

• GS4 Instance
  • 16 vCPUs
  • 224 GB RAM
  • 448 GB temporary storage
  • Monthly Cost: $3,212 (East US region)
• E32s v5 Instance
  • 32 vCPUs
  • 256 GB RAM
  • Remote storage
  • Monthly Cost: $1,472

Potential Savings: 54%

Performance Benefits

Upgraded VM series offer:

• More advanced processor architectures
• Improved core-to-cost ratios
• Enhanced memory configurations
• Better overall computational efficiency

Implementation Guide

Infrastructure-as-Code Transformation Example (Terraform)

Before:

resource "azurerm_virtual_machine" "example" {
  vm_size = "Standard_GS4"
  # Other configuration parameters
}

After:

resource "azurerm_virtual_machine" "example" {
  vm_size = "Standard_E32s_v5"
  # Other configuration parameters
}

Manual Migration Steps

1. Assess current VM workload and resource requirements
2. Select appropriate Esv5 or Mv3 series machine
3. Create a new VM with updated configuration
4. Migrate data and applications
5. Validate performance and functionality
6. Decommission old VM

Best Practices

• Gradual Migration: Implement changes in phases
• Performance Testing: Validate workload compatibility
• Cost Modeling: Use tools like Infracost to estimate savings
• Backup: Ensure complete system backup before migration

Recommended Tools

• Infracost: Scan infrastructure code and estimate cost savings
• Azure Cost Management
• Azure Advisor

Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Web Application Hosting

A mid-sized company running web services on GS4 VMs migrated to E32s v5, reducing monthly costs by over 50% while improving request processing capabilities.

Scenario 2: Data Processing Workloads

A data analytics team transitioned from GS machines to Mv3 series, achieving better memory performance and lower overall infrastructure expenses.

Considerations and Caveats

• Application Compatibility: Verify software works correctly on new VM series
• Migration Complexity: Some workloads might require additional configuration
• Licensing Implications: Check software licensing requirements
• Network Configuration: Potential network setting adjustments

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)