add guide for migrating to new azure images with deprecation of old account

docs/guides/.pages

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ nav:
     - Content Management: cms
     - Communications: communications
     - Containers: containers
+    - Cloud: cloud
     - Database: database
     - Desktop: desktop
     - DNS: dns

docs/guides/cloud/migration-to-new-azure-images.md

@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+---
+title: Migration to New Azure Images
+author: Neil Hanlon
+contributors: Steven Spencer
+tags:
+    - cloud
+    - azure
+    - microsoft azure
+    - deprecation
+---
+
+!!! info "Old Publishing Account Images Deprecated April 2024"
+    The images contained in the former publishing account (`erockyenterprisesoftwarefoundationinc1653071250513`) were marked for deprecation on April 23, 2024 with a 180-day (6 month) window until the images can no longer be used. 
+
+    To continue using Rocky Linux on Azure, you must either migrate to the new publishing account (`resf`) or to the new Community Galleries images by following the guide below.
+
+# Migration Guide: Transitioning to New Rocky Linux Images on Azure
+
+This guide provides detailed steps on how to migrate your Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) from the deprecated Rocky Linux images to the new images under the `resf` publisher account or to utilize the Community Galleries. Following this guide will ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption.
+
+## Before You Start
+
+- Ensure you have a current backup of your VM. While the migration process should not affect your data, having a backup is a best practice for any system changes.
+- Verify that you have the necessary permissions to create new VMs and manage existing ones in your Azure account.
+
+## Step 1: Locate Your Existing VMs
+
+Identify the VMs deployed with the old Rocky Linux images. You can do this by filtering your VMs using the old publisher account name: `erockyenterprisesoftwarefoundationinc1653071250513`.
+
+## Step 2: Prepare New VM
+
+1. **Navigate** to the Azure Marketplace.
+2. **Search** for the new Rocky Linux images under the `resf` publisher account or access the Community Galleries.
+    * Current Marketplace Links:
+        * [Rocky Linux x86_64](https://azuremarketplace.microsoft.com/en-us/marketplace/apps/resf.rockylinux-x86_64)
+        * [Rocky Linux aarch64](https://azuremarketplace.microsoft.com/en-us/marketplace/apps/resf.rockylinux-aarch64)
+    * Full instructions on accessing the Community Gallery images can be found in this [news post](https://rockylinux.org/news/rocky-on-azure-community-gallery/)
+3. **Select** the desired Rocky Linux version and **create a new VM**. During setup, you can choose the same VM size and other configurations as your existing VM to ensure compatibility.
+
+## Step 3: Transfer Data
+
+### Option A: Using Azure Managed Disks (Recommended for simplicity)
+
+1. **Stop** your existing VM.
+2. **Detach** the OS disk from the existing VM.
+3. **Attach** the detached disk to the new VM as a data disk.
+4. **Boot** your new VM. You can mount the old OS disk and copy data to the new disk if required.
+
+### Option B: Using Data Transfer Tools (For complex environments or specific needs)
+
+1. **Select** a data transfer tool such as `rsync` or Azure Blob Storage for transferring data.
+2. **Transfer** data from the old VM to the new VM. This might include application data, configurations, and user data.
+
+```bash
+# Example rsync command
+rsync -avzh /path/to/old_VM_data/ user@new_VM_IP:/path/to/new_VM_destination/
+```
+
+## Step 4: Reconfigure the New VM
+
+1. **Reapply** any custom configurations or adaptations you had on your old VM to the new VM, ensuring it matches the intended environment setup.
+2. **Test** the new VM to confirm that applications and services are running as expected.
+
+## Step 5: Update DNS Records (if applicable)
+
+If your VM is accessed through a specific domain, you'll need to update your DNS records to point to the IP address of the new VM.
+
+## Step 6: Decommission Old VM
+
+Once you've confirmed that the new VM is running correctly and all necessary data and configurations have been moved, you can **deallocate and delete** the old VM.
+
+## Final Steps
+
+- Validate that all services on the new VM are running as expected.
+- Monitor the performance and health of the new VM to ensure it meets your needs.
+
+## Need Assistance?
+
+If you encounter any issues during your migration or have questions, support is available. Visit [Rocky Linux support channels](https://wiki.rockylinux.org/rocky/support/) for assistance.
+
+
+