Zero-Downtime Migration from AWS to Azure for a Houston Construction Firm
A real-world technical case study detailing how Impress IT Solutions planned and executed a full cloud migration with no business interruption and minimal notice.
What You’ll Learn
What’s Inside the White Paper
This 10-section technical white paper walks through every phase of the migration — from the first Azure build-out meeting to the final AWS server shutdowns.
Azure Environment Build-Out
Tenancy setup, first datacenter spin-up, network infrastructure, and VPN gateway configuration from scratch.
AWS ↔ Azure Site-to-Site Tunnel
How we established a secure bridge between the legacy AWS environment and the new Azure tenancy to enable parallel operations.
Application Inventory & Planning
Full software audit — P6 Primavera, PlanSwift, Procore, Vista Viewpoint, GCPay, ACT!, Access Databases, and more.
SQL Server Migration (P6 Primavera)
Step-by-step SQL 2017 deployment, Oracle web server configuration, and overnight database import strategy.
Zero-Trust Access with Appgate
Deploying Appgate SAML-connected to Azure AD for secure remote access — replacing legacy VPN infrastructure.
16 Field Sites + Starlink Connectivity
Configuring Cradlepoint site-to-site VPNs across all field locations, including a Starlink passthrough setup at a remote site.
PlanSwift Performance Problem & Fix
When cloud storage proved too slow, how we designed a hybrid NAS architecture that solved the performance issue entirely.
GCPay, ACT! & Access Database Migration
Coordinating vendor whitelists, IP changes, and early-morning user cutover visits for financial and CRM systems.
Active Directory FSMO Transfer
Seizing FSMO roles to the new Azure DC and safely demoting the legacy domain controller without user impact.
Phased AWS Decommission
Systematically shutting down AWS servers, recovering undocumented data shares, and fully closing the old environment.
Project Timeline
From First Meeting to Full Decommission
The entire project was completed across two focused phases — a 30-day build-out and a 5-day sprint cutover — with no disruption to the client’s operations.
Azure Environment Build-Out & Parallel Setup
New Azure tenancy, VPN gateway, AWS↔Azure tunnel, application servers, Appgate deployment, 16 Cradlepoint field site configurations, and Starlink passthrough setup.
P6 Primavera User Cutover
Overnight database refresh + 7am on-site visit to switch corporate and remote P6 users to the new Azure SQL server.
PlanSwift, Egnyte, Print Server & Scanning
NAS hybrid architecture deployment, logon script modifications, print server installation for 6 printers, and Egnyte folder sync migration.
ACT!, Access Databases & GCPay
Second SQL server for ACT!, Access DB transfer, GCPay IP whitelist coordination with Vista Viewpoint, and Acronis backup configuration.
DNS Migration, FSMO Transfer & AWS Shutdown ✅
WatchGuard DNS reconfiguration, printer DNS updates, FSMO role seizure to Azure DC, and final AWS server decommission. Migration complete.
Real-World Complexity
Challenges Faced & How We Solved Them
This wasn’t a textbook migration. The white paper is candid about what went wrong and exactly how it was fixed.
⚠️ Challenges
- Migration required with minimal notice from provider
- 8 applications with different migration paths
- PlanSwift cloud storage too slow for users
- Undocumented mapped share found on decommissioned server
- Access Accounting DB migration complications
- GCPay required IP whitelist from third-party vendor
- 16 field sites on varied connectivity (including Starlink)
✅ Solutions
- 30-day parallel environment build before any cutover
- Application-by-application migration strategy
- Hybrid NAS architecture for PlanSwift performance
- Data recovered to Egnyte before server shutdown
- On-site verification with user sign-off at every stage
- Coordinated multi-vendor whitelist and testing sequence
- Cradlepoint site-to-site VPN with Starlink passthrough
The Results
Proven Outcomes
Every measurable goal was achieved. The client never experienced a minute of unplanned downtime.
Minutes of Downtime During Migration
Applications Successfully Migrated
Field Sites Connected via Cradlepoint VPN
Days Total — Kickoff to Full Decommission
AWS Environment Decommissioned on Schedule
Download the Free White Paper
About Impress IT Solutions
Houston’s Construction IT Specialists
For over 23 years, Impress IT Solutions has been the trusted technology partner for construction companies, contractors, and field-based businesses across the Houston metro area.
We understand that your technology needs to work where you work — from the corporate office to the job site. Our team speaks construction: Procore, P6 Primavera, PlanSwift, Vista Viewpoint, and more.
- 15-Minute IT Response Guarantee
- Microsoft Azure & Cloud Migration Experts
- Construction Software Integration Specialists
- Zero-Downtime Migration Track Record
- Serving Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands & beyond