Cloud & Modernization Newsletter August 2025 Edition

Security-First Modernization: Centralizing Signals & Extending Managed Defenses

This edition explores how Microsoft is reshaping the cloud journey: from simplifying database migrations with Azure DMS and streamlining transformation through Azure Accelerate, to empowering developers with AI-driven tools for app modernization.

We also spotlight real-world manufacturing innovations, practical testing workflows, and strategies for embedding security and forensic readiness into every stage of modernization.

Whether you’re migrating, modernizing, or securing your environment, these updates will help you move faster, innovate smarter, and stay resilient.

Cloud Migration

Introducing Azure Accelerate

Microsoft just unveiled Azure Accelerate, a unified program combining Azure Migrate & Modernize, Azure Innovate, and the new Cloud Accelerate Factory. It’s designed to simplify cloud transformation with expert guidance, partner funding, and skilling in one streamlined experience. For platform and intranet owners, this means faster assessments, AI-powered migration tools, and scalable support, from pilot to enterprise, with no cap on investment. It’s a practical way to reduce friction and unlock momentum for complex cloud modernization.

Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) - Schema Migration (GA)

Microsoft announced that Schema Migration in Azure DMS is now generally available, so migrations can include missing schema objects (tables, indexes, views, stored procs, user-defined types, roles, etc.) in one step alongside data. Practically, that means far fewer manual schema fixes post-migration and more consistent target environments but be sure your SHIR version and server/db permissions meet the prerequisites and validate in a staging run before cutover. From a 2toLead perspective, this is a game-changer for reducing remediations and shortening migration windows when moving OLTP workloads to Azure SQL Database.

Reimagining Manufacturing with Cloud-First Innovation

Manufacturers are accelerating their digital transformation journeys by embracing cloud modernization and AI-powered solutions. Microsoft’s latest insights spotlight how leaders like BMW and Emirates Global Aluminum are leveraging Azure and generative AI to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and scale innovation. From intelligent automation on the factory floor to cloud-based analytics driving R&D, the shift is clear: modernization isn’t just a trend, it’s a strategic imperative.

Application Modernization

Supercharge Your App Service Apps with AI Foundry Agents Connected to MCP servers

A forward-looking demo of connecting Azure AI Foundry agents to remote Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers hosted on App Service. It highlights no-code agent wiring, sample FastAPI and to-do MCP server repos, and patterns for safely exposing app capabilities to agents. A practical blueprint for adding conversational automation to legacy apps without full rewrites.

Azure App Testing: Playwright Workspaces for Local-to-Cloud Test Runs

Practical, step-by-step guidance for taking Playwright tests from local dev to cloud scale using Azure App Testing + Playwright Workspaces. It shows how to author tests, run them against Azure Web Apps, publish runs to a workspace, and scale using cloud-hosted browsers, exactly the kind of integrated testing workflow that reduces deployment risk during modernization and migration efforts.

Generating Classes with Custom Naming Conventions Using GitHub Copilot and a Custom MCP Server

For teams needing enterprise controls around AI-assisted codegen, consider building a custom Model Context Protocol (MCP) server to guide Copilot behavior and enforce naming/compliance rules. It’s a useful exploration of how to marry developer productivity tools with governance and network isolation (private endpoints / ExpressRoute), important for regulated modernization projects.

Security and Compliance

Prepare For The Worst: Forensic Readiness in Azure

When a security incident strikes, the difference between swift recovery and prolonged disruption often comes down to preparation. Microsoft’s latest blog emphasizes the importance of forensic readiness: the ability to collect, preserve, and analyze digital evidence effectively in the cloud.

Key takeaways:

• Proactive logging and monitoring are essential—don’t wait for an incident to enable them.
• Diagnostic settings, snapshots, and centralized logging (e.g., via Microsoft Sentinel) can make or break an investigation.
• Shared responsibility matters—work closely with your cloud provider to ensure compliance and visibility.

Level Up Your Security Skills: Introducing the Defender Experts Ninja Hub

Microsoft has launched the Defender Experts Ninja Hub, a centralized resource designed to help security professionals sharpen their expertise. This hub brings together guides, videos, and best practices for Microsoft Defender Experts services, including Defender Experts for Hunting and Defender Experts for XDR.

Why it matters:

• Stay up to date with the latest tools and techniques from Microsoft’s security experts.
• Access step-by-step resources to strengthen your SOC capabilities.
• Build confidence in threat detection, investigation, and response with curated learning paths.

Extend Managed Defenses: Where to Add Protection as You Modernize

Microsoft has broadened Defender Experts to deliver 24/7 managed XDR and proactive threat hunting across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

What’s new:

• Always-on XDR for servers in Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud.
• Proactive hunting to reduce blind spots in hybrid environments.
• Integrated third-party signals (Palo Alto, Zscaler, Fortinet) for faster detection