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CloudLabs by Spektra Systems CloudLabs by Spektra Systems

Microsoft-recommended ALS migration path

Migrate from Azure Lab Services without disruption

CloudLabs VM Labs is the Microsoft-recommended alternative to Azure Lab Services — built to help institutions migrate fast, retain full feature parity, and gain more control over cost, access, and scale.

Trusted by 150+ universities and training partners worldwide

  • McMaster University
  • University of Waterloo
  • Austin Community College
  • University of Cincinnati
  • Saskatchewan Polytechnic
  • Sophos

The migration most institutions are running right now

  • Why institutions are moving now

    Azure Lab Services customers are planning next-semester labs. Institutions migrate early to avoid last-minute transition bottlenecks that disrupt courses and timelines.

  • What you get with CloudLabs VM Labs

    Windows and Linux VM labs on Microsoft Azure. Browser-based access, dedicated or shared multi-session VMs, Instructor Shadow VM, automated schedules, integrated lab manuals, LMS integrations with Moodle/Canvas, API automation.

  • Built for Azure Lab Services customers

    Designed specifically to replace ALS — not approximate it. Familiar workflows, same Azure infrastructure in your region, no feature gating, transparent pay-as-you-go pricing, enterprise-grade security, 24/7 support.

Migration on us

  • Migration is simple (and free)

    Our team handles the heavy lifting — migrate existing lab plans and VM images, use the Migration Tool for complex environments, bring your own Azure subscription or use CloudLabs-managed Azure. No downtime for instructors or learners.

  • Limited-time offer

    Free migration assistance + priority onboarding and support. Up to $2K Azure Credits available for qualified customers during the POC stage.

Two simple ways to move to CloudLabs VM Labs

Whether you want to start clean or migrate what you already have, CloudLabs supports both — without disruption.

Option 1

Start fresh on CloudLabs

Best if you're redesigning labs or launching new courses.

  1. 1

    Step 1: Get Started

    Create your CloudLabs account and access the VM Labs portal.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Create VM Images

    Build and test your Windows or Linux VM images directly in CloudLabs.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Set Up Labs

    Configure lab settings, schedules, access rules, and quotas.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Go Live

    Deploy labs instantly and invite learners — ready for use.

Option 2

Migrate existing Azure Lab Services labs

Best if you want continuity with minimal change.

  1. 1

    Step 1: Get Started

    Create your CloudLabs account and start your migration journey.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Migrate VM Images

    Use the CloudLabs Migration Tool to replicate existing VM images.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Migrate Labs

    Bring over lab plans and configurations from your Azure Lab Services setup.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Go Live

    Your migrated labs are ready for deployment and distribution.

Not sure which path is right for you?

We'll recommend the fastest, safest option based on your setup.

  • 1M+

    Labs provisioned globally

  • 700K+

    Learners upskilled

  • 25K+

    Events supported

  • 150+

    Institutions trust us

See if CloudLabs is right for you

  • Migration: how fast?

    Most institutions complete migration in 2–4 weeks. Our team handles VM image replication and lab plan migration end-to-end. We can hit semester deadlines.

  • Courses: will this support ours?

    Yes. Same Windows + Linux infrastructure on Azure. Lab catalog covers AI/ML, security, networking, dev, data — every ALS use case carries forward.

  • Pricing: what will this cost at scale?

    Pay-as-you-go pricing, with cost-optimization features (auto-shutdown, schedules, quotas) built in. Most customers see lower total spend than their ALS bill.

  • Experience: what changes for instructors and students?

    Familiar workflows. Browser-based access. Instructor Shadow VM extends what ALS offered. Most users say the experience improves — same Azure backend, richer tooling layer.

24×7 globally

Global support options

Select your preferred data-residency region with CloudLabs, ensuring compliance and control over the location of your VMs. Access support and localization services available in a variety of languages — for a truly inclusive and seamless global experience.

Multi-language coverage

  • English
  • Español
  • Français
  • Deutsch
  • Italiano

Regions

  • North America

    Redmond, WA + Toronto, ON

  • EMEA

    Bangalore + Hyderabad delivery hubs

  • APAC

    Bangalore + Hyderabad delivery hubs

Talk to the migration team

A short walkthrough answers the questions most teams care about — migration timeline, cost at scale, course-specific support, instructor experience.