The Challenge of Legacy On‑Prem Systems
Technology continues to move at full speed. However, many businesses still depend on systems that only run on local servers. In some cases, applications remain proprietary. In other cases, vendors require on‑site infrastructure for compliance reasons. As a result, companies once had limited options.
Previously, teams had to spin up full cloud servers just to mirror local data. At that time, Azure lacked tools that supported serverless or hybrid designs. Because of this, cloud adoption often felt expensive and complex.
Over the last few years, Azure has matured. As a result, solutions that once seemed impossible now feel practical and exciting. Today, businesses can move data to the cloud while keeping critical systems on site. Most importantly, Azure delivers flexibility without forcing full system replacement.
A Real‑World Client Use Case from RSI
For example, RSI worked with a client that relied on an on‑site accounting system. That system could not move to the cloud. Even so, the business needed online access to inventory for customers.
To solve this, RSI used Azure SQL Data Sync and Azure File Sync. First, the solution created a read‑only cloud copy of inventory data. Next, customers could place orders online without direct access to the accounting system. Meanwhile, a local API accepted order data and sent it back into the on‑prem system. In this way, the core software stayed intact while the business expanded online sales.
Sharing Product and Safety Documentation
In addition, the client needed to share product safety and compliance documents. Teams created and reviewed these files on site. Azure File Sync made those files available in Azure while preserving local control.
As a result, clients gained secure access to current documentation. At the same time, internal teams maintained ownership of reviews and updates. Compliance workflows remained familiar and reliable.
What Azure SQL Data Sync Does
Azure SQL Data Sync syncs data across multiple databases. Specifically, it supports on‑prem SQL Server and Azure SQL Database. Data can move in one direction or both directions based on business needs.
Because of this, the tool works well for hybrid environments. Companies can keep sensitive systems on site while sharing selected data in the cloud. Additionally, developers can build cloud apps that read or write data without touching the source system directly.
The Challenge of Legacy On‑Prem Systems
Technology moves fast, but many businesses still rely on systems that only run on local servers. Some applications remain proprietary. Others require on‑site hardware to meet compliance or vendor rules. These limits once forced companies to build full cloud servers just to mirror local data. Azure did not support lightweight or server-less options at that time.
Azure has grown into a mature platform. Modern tools now let businesses connect on‑prem systems to the cloud without rebuilding everything. Cloud data access no longer requires a full server footprint. This shift opens new paths for speed, scale, and innovation.
A Real‑World Client Use Case from RSI
RSI worked with a client that ran an on‑site accounting system. That system could not move to the cloud. The business still needed online access to inventory for customers.
RSI used Azure SQL Data Sync and Azure File Sync to solve the problem. The solution created a read‑only cloud copy of inventory data. Customers could place orders online without touching the core accounting system. A local API accepted order data and pushed it back into the on‑prem system. The accounting software stayed intact while the business gained online sales capability.
Sharing Product and Safety Documentation
The client also needed to share product safety and compliance documents. Teams created and reviewed these files on site. Azure File Sync made those files available in Azure while keeping local ownership.
Clients gained secure access to current documentation. Internal teams kept full control of reviews and updates. Compliance workflows stayed local and familiar.
What Azure SQL Data Sync Does
Azure SQL Data Sync syncs data across multiple databases. It supports both on‑prem SQL Server and Azure SQL Database. Data can flow in one direction or both directions based on business needs.
This approach works well for hybrid environments. Companies can keep critical systems on site while sharing selected data in the cloud. Developers can build cloud apps that read or write data without direct access to the source system.
Known Limits and Smart Workarounds
That said, SQL Data Sync has a limit of 500 tables per database. Large or legacy databases often exceed that number. Fortunately, RSI addressed this challenge with supported design approaches.
One option uses a restricted database user. That user only sees tables required for sync. DENY permissions block access to all other tables. Alternatively, teams can split tables across multiple databases when full access is required. Either way, these methods allow SQL Data Sync to run without redesigning the core system.
What Azure File Sync Brings to the Table
Azure File Sync centralizes local file shares in Azure. At the same time, it keeps files available for local access and performance. Teams continue working with files exactly as before.
Because of this setup, businesses gain support for hybrid operations, disaster recovery, and secure sharing. In short, Azure File Sync delivers cloud availability without sacrificing local control.
Why This Matters for Modern Cloud Strategy
Ultimately, hybrid cloud solutions help businesses move forward without unnecessary risk. Azure SQL Data Sync and File Sync connect legacy systems to modern cloud applications. These tools also support APIs, automation, and LLM‑powered solutions that rely on trusted data sources.
RSI helps clients unlock cloud value while respecting system limits. This approach delivers flexibility, security, and growth without disruption.
Key Takeaways
- Many businesses still rely on legacy on-prem systems, struggling with costs and complexity when adopting cloud solutions.
- Azure now offers robust tools like Azure SQL Data Sync and Azure File Sync, allowing seamless integration between on-prem and cloud databases.
- RSI showcased a real-world use case where they enabled online access to on-site inventory without moving the accounting system to the cloud.
- Azure File Sync centralizes files while maintaining local access, enhancing hybrid operations and compliance workflows.
- Adaptive strategies exist for overcoming SQL Data Sync limitations, ensuring that core systems remain intact while benefiting from cloud capabilities.