AWS OLA Assessment for Microsoft
Most Microsoft SQL and Windows Server environments are an uncontrolled sprawl of versions, editions, and licensing models, often spread across aging infrastructure and inconsistent configurations. Cintra’s Microsoft SQL Optimization and Licensing Assessment (OLA) on AWS replaces guesswork with real data. Using zero-impact discovery tools and deep Microsoft SQL and Windows Server licensing analysis, we assess how your SQL Database and Windows Server workloads actually run today, then model optimized deployment options on AWS based on real usage patterns and entitlements.
OLAs data reflect that 60% greater license efficiency is obtained when migrating to AWS. This is largely due to overprovisioned license requirements coupled to reduced core requirements and more efficient workload placement in the AWS cloud. With fewer instances needed to support the same performance, AWS provides a compelling TCO advantage.
Cintra’s AWS-funded Microsoft OLA takes this a step further, modelling core optimization, SQL and Windows Server rightsizing, and database consolidation to identify tangible opportunities to reduce licensing costs without compromising performance or compliance.
- Modernization Assessment
- GenAI Code Conversion
- Modernization Project Services
- AWS-funded SQL database and Windows Server OLA for business-critical applications
- Zero-impact, tool-based discovery of SQL and Windows Server workloads and licensing
- Executive-ready technical and commercial roadmap for AWS migration and modernization
From fragmented MS SQL and Windows Server environments to data driven
Build a defensible, board-ready plan for SQL and Windows Server on AWS with Cintra’s Optimization and Licensing Assessment. As an AWS-funded OLA partner, Cintra combines non-intrusive discovery, SQL and Windows Server licensing expertise, and automated scenario modelling to reduce risk, avoid waste, and accelerate your journey to AWS.
Why Cintra for Microsoft OLA on AWS?
SQL and Windows Server OLA engagements are only as valuable as the insight and action they deliver. Cintra transforms AWS Optimization and Licensing Assessments into tangible, low-risk modernization paths for SQL Server on AWS.
Specialized SQL and Windows Server OLA delivery partner: Cintra provides AWS-funded Optimization and Licensing Assessments for SQL Server across physical, virtual, and cloud environments.
Deep Microsoft licensing knowledge: Cloud expertise in Microsoft environments, with a focus on SQL Server, Software Assurance, and SPLA to BYOL transitions.
Zero-impact discovery: Tool-based inventory of all SQL and Windows Server workloads, without disrupting production, along with usage metrics for CPU, memory, I/O, and storage.
Proven outcomes: SQL Server OLAs typically uncover immediate licensing waste through rightsizing and consolidation, and support AWS research showing up to 60% reduction in Microsoft license costs when workloads are migrated and optimized on AWS.
Executive-ready roadmap: Every Microsoft OLA includes a strategic report with AWS TCO modelling, modernization options, and license optimization scenarios.
Path to migration and managed services: Cintra takes SQL OLA outputs directly into AWS MAP-aligned mobilization, modernization planning, and 24x7 managed services.
Microsoft OLA Discovery & Baseline
A structured, AWS-funded SQL and Windows Server OLA engagement that builds a single source of truth for your current Microsoft estate, covering utilization, licensing, and dependencies across on-premises and cloud.
Current State Inventory & Utilization
Zero-impact, tool-based discovery of SQL databases and Windows Server instances.
Capture of CPU, memory, I/O and storage usage.
Identification of high-value SQL Server workloads (Always On, failover clusters, legacy Windows platforms, VMware).
License & Entitlement Baseline
Detailed view of SQL and Windows Servers in use vs. licensed.
Assessment of licenses and edition type usage.
Identification of potential over-licensing, end-of-support, or compliance risks
Dependency & Risk Mapping
High-level mapping of applications and integrations dependent on SQL Server databases.
Identification of platform risks (aging Windows OS, data center exits, unsupported SQL Server versions).
Baseline for HA/DR posture and operational risk related to your SQL Server estate.
A validated, data-driven baseline for your SQL and Windows Server workloads and licenses.
Clear understanding of where SQL and Windows Server spend and resource usage are concentrated.
Strong foundation for rightsizing, optimization, and AWS migration planning.
Microsoft OLA Optimization & Scenario Modelling
Once the baseline is established, Cintra uses OLA findings to model multiple AWS target-state scenarios, helping you understand your options before you decide.
Right-Sizing & Target Architecture
Automated rightsizing of workloads to efficient EC2 and RDS instance types based on percentile utilization and CPU power ratings.
Architecture options for SQL and Windows Server on EC2, Amazon RDS for SQL Server, and Amazon Aurora (PostgreSQL/MySQL)
Consideration for HA/DR, backup, and performance SLAs in each scenario.
Licensing & Cost Scenarios
Compare BYOL vs. License-Included options across proposed AWS architectures.
Model license optimization opportunities, including:
SQL Server Enterprise vs. Standard Edition rightsizing
Database consolidation to reduce core counts
Workloads suitable for Aurora or PostgreSQL modernization
Multi-year AWS cloud and SQL and Windows Server licensing cost modelling
Modernization & PostgreSQL Opportunities
Identification of SQL Server workloads suitable for migration to Amazon Aurora or PostgreSQL.
Recommendations on sequencing modernization vs. lift-and-shift.
Input into long-term SQL Server reduction or database modernization strategies.
Clear view of how different OLA scenarios impact cost, risk, and flexibility.
Quantified options to reduce license requirements and core counts before migration.
Early visibility into modernization paths beyond Microsoft in the cloud.
Microsoft OLA Roadmap & Executive Business Case
The final phase of the Microsoft OLA turns technical insight into board-ready recommendations and a practical roadmap.
Migration & Modernization Roadmap
Recommended target state for each major SQL and Windows Server workload (EC2, RDS, or Aurora).
Phased migration aligned to EA/SPLA renewals, end-of-support timelines, and data center exits.
Alignment with AWS MAP stages.
Executive-Ready Report & Recommendations
Consolidated Microsoft OLA executive report.
Multi-year TCO comparison between current state and AWS options.
Clear next steps into detailed design, pilot migrations, or modernization.
A decision-ready Microsoft OLA business case for AWS adoption.
Shared understanding across IT, finance, and leadership on the best path forward.
Faster transition from assessment into funded migration and modernization programs.
Engagement Models
Choose how you engage with Cintra around an OLA for Microsoft, whether you need a one-time assessment, a structured roadmap for migration, or ongoing optimization and advisory.
AWS-Funded Microsoft OLA (Fixed-Scope Assessment)
A fully-funded Microsoft SQL and Windows Server Optimization and Licensing Assessment engagement focused on baselining, optimization modelling, and roadmap definition.
Zero-impact discovery of your Microsoft estate.
AWS deployment options (EC2, RDS for SQL Server, Aurora).
Multi-year AWS and SQL and Windows Server licensing cost models.
Migration & Modernization Planning
Outcome-focused projects that take your OLA outputs into detailed migration and modernization plans, often as part of AWS MAP Mobilize.
Detailed target architectures and migration runbooks for prioritized workloads.
License optimization actions aligned to selected AWS options.
Integration with Cintra’s SQL Server to AWS and Aurora modernization services.
Ongoing Microsoft Cost Optimization & Licensing Advisory
A continuous advisory engagement that ensures your environment stays optimized as usage, workloads, and licensing evolve.
Regular review of usage vs. license consumption.
Continuous optimization of SQL and Windows Server on AWS.
Support for Microsoft renewals, audits, and contract negotiations.
Ideal For
The Microsoft OLA on AWS is designed for organizations where Microsoft licensing cost and risk are strategic concerns:
Enterprises with significant SQL and Windows Server estates on-premises or hosted.
Organizations planning Microsoft-to-AWS migration and needing a funded business case.
Teams looking to reduce SQL and Windows Server TCO.
CIOs, CTOs, CFOs and infrastructure leaders needing defensible SQL and Windows Server cloud decisions.
Businesses exploring SQL Server modernization to Aurora or PostgreSQL while protecting mission-critical services during transition.
Do you also have Oracle workloads?
Save time as Microsoft and Oracle OLAs can be performed in a single engagement:
Same Process
Same Tooling
Same OLA deliverable content and values
Benefits recap for our Microsoft OLA
Would you like to:
Know your current Microsoft licenses baseline?
Reduce license and support costs?
Free up Microsoft license costs to fund migration?
Know your optimal AWS Rehost, Replatform and Refactor migration options?
Have current Microsoft spend vs AWS migration TCO comparisons for decision-making?
Quick & Easy process with a minimal effort required?
At no cost for you? (fully funded by AWS with no strings attached).
Ready to start your Microsoft OLA for AWS?
Run an AWS-funded Microsoft Optimization and Licensing Assessment (Microsoft OLA) and build a clear, data-driven roadmap for SQL and Windows Server on AWS.