Introducing the AWS Well-Architected Microsoft Workloads Lens

This article introduces the AWS Well-Architected Microsoft Workloads Lens, a framework for building and operating Microsoft-based systems on AWS.

• Extends core Well-Architected Framework with Microsoft-specific best practices and considerations
• Addresses six scenarios: SQL Server migration, .NET modernization, Active Directory integration, Windows File Services, infrastructure modernization, and disaster recovery
• Provides pillar-specific guidance: Cost Optimization, Operational Excellence, Performance Efficiency, Reliability, Security, and Sustainability
• Includes design principles: assess holistically, define goals, leverage AWS native services, optimize licensing, design for resilience
• Accessible through AWS Well-Architected Tool, hands-on labs, and AWS Partner Network
• Real-world results: reduced licensing costs, improved availability, enhanced security, faster modernization

The Microsoft Workloads Lens provides structured guidance for architects and operations teams to confidently architect, migrate, and operate Microsoft technologies on AWS.