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dnsmigrator

Azure DNS IBM Cloud Classic (SoftLayer) DNS

Migrate DNS from Azure DNS to SoftLayer.

8 record types move as they are. 2 things work differently at SoftLayer, and the preview shows exactly which of your records they affect.

Free preview. Read-only. Nothing changes until you apply.

What works differently

Generated from the same provider capability data the migration engine uses.

Moves as-is

  • A
  • AAAA
  • CNAME
  • MX
  • TXT
  • NS
  • SRV
  • PTR

TTLs below 60s are raised

SoftLayer's minimum TTL is 60 seconds. Shorter TTLs are raised to 60s and shown as translated.

A typical Azure DNS zone at SoftLayer

Example records for example.com. Open any flagged row to read why it changed.

Azure DNS SoftLayer

  • UnsupportedA@

    Not migrated

    @ is an alias to an Azure resource. It needs static IP addresses at SoftLayer.

  • ExactMX@

    10 mx1.mail.example.net. +1

  • ExactTXT@

    "v=spf1 include:_spf.example.net -all"

  • UnsupportedCAA@

    Not migrated

    SoftLayer doesn't support CAA records through its API.

  • ExactTXT_dmarc

    "v=DMARC1; p=reject; rua=mailto:dmarc@example.com"

  • ExactSRV_sip._tls

    100 1 443 sip.example.net.

  • ExactAapp

    192.0.2.30

  • ExactCNAMEwww

    example.com.

How the move works

  1. 1

    Connect Azure DNS

    Connect Azure DNS with read-only access (Service principal (client ID + secret)).

  2. 2

    Connect SoftLayer

    Connect SoftLayer (Classic infrastructure username + API key). Write access is only used when you apply.

  3. 3

    Review the preview

    Check every record marked Review or Unsupported. Each one explains what changes and why.

  4. 4

    Apply to SoftLayer

    We snapshot the SoftLayer zone, write in batches, and leave Azure DNS untouched.

  5. 5

    Verify

    We query SoftLayer's own nameservers for every record and compare the answers before you switch.

  6. 6

    Switch nameservers

    Lower TTLs a day or two ahead, remove any DS record if DNSSEC is on, then point the domain at the new nameservers at your registrar.

Good to know about Azure DNS

  • Azure alias records point at Azure resource IDs, which don't exist outside Azure.
  • Apex CNAMEs are not allowed. Use an alias record to an Azure resource or A/AAAA records.

Access we need: Reader on the DNS zone for the preview, DNS Zone Contributor to apply.

Good to know about SoftLayer

  • Domains must already exist in the IBM Cloud classic DNS console. We can't create them.
  • Only A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, NS, PTR, SPF, SRV and TXT records are supported, so CAA records can't be migrated here.
  • The minimum TTL is 60 seconds, and the DNSControl provider for SoftLayer is unmaintained, so treat this integration with extra care.

Access we need: A classic infrastructure user with the Manage DNS permission for both preview and apply.

Questions

Will there be downtime moving from Azure DNS to SoftLayer?

Not if both providers serve the same answers during the switch. The records are copied to SoftLayer and verified before you change nameservers, so resolvers get the same answer from either side while caches expire.

Do I have to delete anything at Azure DNS?

No. We never write to Azure DNS. Keep the old zone for a week after cutover so you can switch back instantly if anything looks wrong.

What about DNSSEC?

If DNSSEC is on, remove the DS record at your registrar and wait for it to expire before switching nameservers. Then enable DNSSEC at SoftLayer and publish its new DS record. The cutover plan walks you through each step.

Related migrations

Ready to see your own zone?

Start a free preview