Citation :

Venkateswarlu Mulla, "Modernizing Enterprise Middleware: A Decision Framework for Migrating BizTalk Orchestrations to Azure-Based Integration Architecture," International Journal of Computer Trends and Technology (IJCTT), vol. 74, no. 9, pp. 34-43, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/22312803/IJCTT-V74I9P104

Abstract

Migrating a mature enterprise integration environment to Azure involves more than replacing one middleware platform with another. Existing interfaces differ in orchestration complexity, business importance, technical dependencies, and suitability for cloud-based services. Applying one migration strategy to every interface can create unnecessary redesign work or carry legacy limitations into the target architecture. This paper presents an Integration Migration Decision Framework (IMDF) developed and applied during an enterprise migration from Microsoft BizTalk Server to Azure Integration Services. The framework assesses each interface using three dimensions: Orchestration Complexity, Business Criticality, and Cloud-Native Fitness. Based on these dimensions, each interface is assigned to one of four migration dispositions: lift-and-shift, re-architect, replace, or retain and reassess. The framework was applied to 200 interfaces processing approximately five million transactions per month across IBM AS/400, SAP S/4HANA, SaaS applications, SQL Server, and reporting platforms. The portfolio was classified into 25 lift-and-shift interfaces, 86 re-architected interfaces, 56 replacement candidates, and 33 retained or reassessed interfaces. All 200 interfaces were migrated through 16 waves over one year and eight months. The contribution of IMDF is not the introduction of new migration labels. Those labels overlap with established cloud migration strategies. The contribution is an integration-specific assessment method that connects technical complexity, business risk, cloud suitability, migration sequencing, and operational architecture. The paper also describes hybrid connectivity and staging database isolation patterns used to address legacy-system dependencies and recovery requirements.

Keywords

Enterprise Middleware Modernization, BizTalk Server Migration, Azure Integration Services, Hybrid Integration Architecture, Event-Driven Architecture, Serverless Integration, Lift-And-Shift, Legacy System Modernization, AS/400 Integration, SAP S/4HANA.

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