--- title: "CloudLabs VM Labs for Azure Lab Services Customers" description: "Migrate from Azure Lab Services to CloudLabs VM Labs. Microsoft-recommended Azure Lab Services alternative: get up to $2,000 in Azure credits" url: "https://cloudlabs.ai/azure-lab-services" source: "https://cloudlabs.ai/azure-lab-services" note: "Markdown rendering of the page above, maintained for AI agents. Regenerate with `npm run llms:md`." --- Listed in Microsoft's Azure Lab Services retirement guide Azure Lab Services retires June 28, 2027 Plan your migration # Transition from Azure Lab Services to CloudLabs VM Labs The Microsoft-recommended partner solution for existing Azure Lab Services users. Start your free trial [Book a demo](https://cloudlabs.ai/demo?audience=edu) Up to $2,000 in Azure credits for qualified ALS migrations. Microsoft-Recommended Partner Solution Complete Feature Parity with ALS ![CloudLabs VM Labs admin dashboard](/_astro/HeroSol2.BDQc7XXs_ZdMLx2.webp) Our Valued Clients ## CloudLabs Redefining Success Trusted by leading institutions worldwide! RETIRING JUNE 28, 2027 · NEW SIGN-UPS CLOSED ## Azure Lab Services Retires Soon! Start Planning Early to Avoid Last-Minute Disruption Get up to **$2,000 in Azure credits**. Evaluate CloudLabs VM Labs under guided support before committing to a full plan. Claim Azure credits - 01 ### $2,000 in Azure credits Covers both platform and infrastructure usage. - 02 ### Enterprise-ready from day one No feature gating, no demo or trial limitations. - 03 ### Expert-guided transition Experience a hassle-free transition with our expert guidance. - 04 ### Exclusively for ALS users Available only to organizations transitioning from Azure Lab Services. ## What's included in your trial 01 ### Test the platform with real learners Host controlled lab sessions, run live pilot tests, and collect direct actionable feedback. 02 ### Get end-to-end managed support Lab setup, configuration management, automation scripting, and priority issue resolution included. 03 ### Explore clear migration timelines Our experts will analyze your present lab setup and share detailed transition timelines. 04 ### Run LMS compatibility checks Verify integration between CloudLabs VM Labs and your existing learning ecosystem. ## See CloudLabs VM Labs in Action CloudLabs VM Labs See it in action ## Azure Lab Services vs CloudLabs VM Labs Compare Azure Lab Services and CloudLabs VM Labs across nine critical capabilities. CloudLabs carries forward every ALS feature and adds the ones that matter. Recommended for training teams | Feature | Azure Lab Services — Retiring June 2027 | CloudLabs VM Labs — The next-generation alternative | | --- | --- | --- | | Lab creation time | Up to 20 min | Instant | | Lab publishing required | Publish required Admins must publish labs before users can access them, a process that can take up to 1 hour. | Instant No publishing step. Labs are live immediately upon creation. | | Lab type | Limited Persistent only. | Flexible Persistent and non-persistent labs. | | VMs per lab | 1 only | Up to 5 Each with unique configurations. | | VM SKU flexibility | Restricted Curated list only. | Customizable Custom vCPU, RAM, GPU, and disk. | | User identity | Limited Azure AD / Microsoft accounts only. | Any identity Azure AD, Google, LinkedIn, and more. | | Instructor monitoring | Not supported | VM Shadow Real-time session overview. | | Lab lifecycle tracking | Not supported | Full control Filter by Active, Expired, or Deleted. | | Cost reporting | Basic Azure Billing only. | Detailed Power BI reports per user and lab. | Feature score 2 / 9 supported 9 / 9 supported [Learn more](https://cloudlabs.ai/azure-lab-services-alternative) ## Estimated example pricing options Choose between Bring Your Own Azure Subscription or a fully-managed CloudLabs subscription. | Instance size | Bring Your Own Subscription | | CloudLabs Managed Subscription | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Azure / hr | Platform fee | Azure / hr | Platform fee | | | Small 2 core(s), 4 GB RAM, 128GB SSD | $0.181 | $12 per user / month | $0.181 | $6 per user / month | | Medium/Standard Medium 4 vCPUs, 8 GB RAM, 256GB SSD | $0.357 | $0.357 | | | | Large/Standard Large 8 vCPUs, 16 GB RAM, 256GB Standard SSD | $0.682 | $0.682 | | | | Medium - Nested virtualization 4 vCPUs, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD | $0.433 | $0.433 | | | | Large - Nested virtualization 8 vCPUs, 32 GB RAM, 256GB Premium SSD | $0.809 | $0.809 | | | | Small GPU - Compute 6 vCPUs, 56 GB RAM, 256GB SSD | $1.151 | $1.151 | | | | Small GPU - Visualization 8 vCPUs, 28 GB RAM, 256GB SSD | $0.865 | $0.865 | | | | Alternative Small GPU - Visualization 6 vCPUs, 55 GB RAM, 256GB SSD | $0.761 | $0.761 | | | | Medium GPU - Visualization 12 vCPUs, 112 GB RAM, 256GB SSD | $1.723 | $1.723 | | | | Medium GPU - Accelerated Visualization 6 vCPUs, 55 GB RAM, 256GB SSD | $0.761 | $0.761 | | | | Large GPU - Accelerated Visualization 12 vCPUs, 110 GB RAM, 256GB SSD | $1.491 | $1.491 | | | \*With CloudLabs, you can create custom VM SKUs with different VM size and disk configuration combinations as per your lab requirement and optimize Cloud cost for your needs. Above Example pricing uses the same lab SKUs as used by Azure Lab Services. ### Example pricing scenario - ✓ Duration: 30 days - ✓ Instance: Small 2 core(s), 4 GB RAM, 128GB SSD - ✓ VM quota per student: 2 hours per day per student - ✓ Azure cost per hour: $0.181 [Get custom pricing](https://cloudlabs.ai/demo?audience=edu) | Cost Breakdown | Bring your own | Managed | | --- | --- | --- | | Azure cost (PAYG) | $454.80 | $454.80 | | Platform fees | $240.00 | $120.00 | | Total cost | $694.80 | $574.80 | Lab features ## Why Teams are Switching to CloudLabs VM Labs We set the industry benchmark with our premier, best-in-class solution for cloud-based learning environments. 01 ### Customized Labs Deploy labs within minutes for Windows and Linux Operating System customized to your exact requirements. 02 ### Powered by Microsoft Azure 03 ### Direct Web Connect 04 ### Custom VM SKUs 05 ### LMS Integration 06 ### Dedicated & Shared VMs 07 ### Live instructor monitoring 08 ### Unique per-user passwords 09 ### On-demand VM deployment 10 ### Invite-only Access 11 ### Reusable Custom Templates 12 ### Scheduling & Usage Quotas 13 ### Scale to Hundreds in Minutes 14 ### Automation 15 ### Integrated Lab Manual ![CloudLabs VM Labs dashboard](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1563461660947-507ef49e9c47?q=80&w=1374&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D) Use cases ## How Leading Teams Use CloudLabs VM Labs? From academic classrooms to enterprise sandboxes — one platform built for every hands-on learning scenario. [Book a Demo](https://cloudlabs.ai/demo) ![Students and instructors collaborating in a virtual lab environment](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1522071820081-009f0129c71c?w=900&h=650&fit=crop&q=80) ### Academic Labs & Classroom Learning Set up virtual lab environments for courses, assignments, and semester-long programs. Give every student access to the tools and resources they need to complete their courses. ### Instructor-Led Training & Certification Programs Prepare virtual machines with the required software and content for workshops, bootcamps, and certification training. Give learners a consistent environment from day one. ### Hackathons & Technical Events Run hands-on events with virtual machines that scale to support hundreds of participants. Provide attendees with immediate access to the environments they need. ### Product Demos & Customer Trials Share invitation-only lab environments with prospects and customers. Let users explore your product through guided, hands-on experiences before deployment. ### Partner Enablement Programs Provide partners with dedicated environments for training, solution validation, and technical readiness. Help them build confidence through practical experience. ### Sandbox Environments & Proof of Concepts Provision Windows or Linux virtual machines for experimentation, testing, and proof-of-concept projects. Explore new ideas without affecting production systems. - 10+ Years of industry expertise - 5M+ Labs provisioned worldwide - 1M+ Participants upskilled - 50K+ Events supported ## CloudLabs VM Labs transition paths Start fresh with a new lab program or migrate from your existing Azure Lab Services setup. Both paths are fully supported. 1. ### Get started Create your CloudLabs account and get started. 2. ### Create VM images Use the CloudLabs portal to create and test your VM images. 3. ### Set up labs Configure your labs with new resources and settings. 4. ### Go live Deploy your newly created labs, ready for immediate use and distribution. CloudLabs VM Labs Transition Paths Start fresh Migrate existing labs 1. ### Get started Create your CloudLabs account to start your migration journey. 2. ### Migrate VM images Use the CloudLabs migration script to migrate or replicate your VM images. 3. ### Migrate labs Migrate labs from your existing Lab Account and Lab Plan using the migration tool. 4. ### Go live Migrated labs are ready for deployment and distribution. Case Studies ## Delivering Measurable Impact See how organizations across industries use CloudLabs to accelerate adoption, deliver hands-on learning, enable customers and employees, and achieve measurable business outcomes. - [![Seneca Polytechnic faculty and students using CloudLabs for Azure training](/_astro/CaseStudy1.Cn_5b-yV_Z22nP3x.webp) ![Seneca Polytechnic](/_astro/seneca.BbSQ7gGd.svg) Read case study](https://cloudlabs.ai/case-studies/seneca-polytechnic-it-training-hands-on-labs) - [![Students learning AI and cloud skills at Wayne Community College](/_astro/Casestudy2%20(2).DSjdzFJG_ZSVcdN.webp) ![Wayne Community College](/_astro/WCC-Logo-Full-color-W-on-left-LARGE.DtC29Wpj_ZOyasr.webp) Read case study](https://cloudlabs.ai/case-studies/wayne-community-college-ai-900-labs-cloudlabs) - [![Databricks Data + AI Summit on-demand labs powered by CloudLabs](/_astro/CaseStudy3.DnVeWghg_1doXzv.webp) ![Databricks](/_astro/databricks.B-Yx4mh__ZGc092.webp) Read case study](https://cloudlabs.ai/case-studies/databricks-data-ai-summit-on-demand-labs) [View all case studies](https://cloudlabs.ai/case-studies) Client Stories ## Why Organizations Choose CloudLabs Discover how CloudLabs helps organizations streamline lab operations, reduce manual effort, and deliver impactful hands-on experiences at scale. > WeareincrediblypleasedwithourexperienceusingCloudLabsbySpektraSystems.Theirresponsivenessandsupporthavebeennothingshortofoutstanding.Theydemonstratedremarkableflexibilityinaccommodatingouruniqueprocesses,resultinginaseamlessandhighlyproductivecollaboration.ThankstoCloudLabs,wehavesuccessfullydeliveredAzure-relatedcoursestoasubstantialnumberofstudents. ![David Trinh](/_astro/David%20Trinh.ZIC8c9Lg_civEk.webp)![Tal Ein-Habar](/_astro/Tal%20Ein-Habar.D2tPwVPK_1KN1XL.webp)![Håkan Forsberg](/_astro/haksan.s-QvPOQp_1lLLlq.webp)![Nina Sui](/_astro/Nina%20Sui.v3KjZuIL_ZPRElp.webp)![Armando Lacerda](/_astro/Armando%20Lacerda.DDYDz5gr_1Hn69U.webp)![Jeff Fatic](/_astro/Jeff%20Fatic.CTDxSruZ_1sqwUB.webp)![Coree Mahoney](/_astro/Coree%20Mahoney.C9kKVuYP_28c095.webp) David TrinhAcademic Program Manager, Seneca Polytechnic ![Seneca Polytechnic](/_astro/seneca.Br_nopHY.webp) [View all success stories](https://cloudlabs.ai/testimonials) Migration tool ### CloudLabs Migration Tool CloudLabs Migration Tool offers a user-friendly interface for seamlessly migrating and replicating your VM images. Effortlessly migrate your labs from existing Lab Accounts and Lab Plans for a smooth transition. Suitable for scenarios with complex VM images and a large number of labs. [Talk to us](https://cloudlabs.ai/demo?audience=edu) [Read the guide](https://help.cloudlabs.ai/docs/introduction) Your subscription ### Bring your own Subscription Prefer to use your own Azure subscription? With CloudLabs, you have the option to bring your own Azure account and keep billing under your existing tenant. [Talk to us](https://cloudlabs.ai/demo?audience=edu) [Read the guide](https://help.cloudlabs.ai/docs/key-concepts) ## Discover CloudLabs on the Microsoft Marketplace Buy our solutions directly from the Microsoft Marketplace and manage payments through your Azure subscription for a seamless experience. Enjoy the convenience, security, and exclusive offers available on the platform. [Visit CloudLabs on Microsoft Marketplace](https://marketplace.microsoft.com/en-us/product/saas/spektra-systems.cloudlabs-vmlabs?tab=Overview) ## Support tier options Enhance your support experience by selecting from a range of customizable tier options tailored to your business requirements. Standard support is available to all customers at no additional cost. - ### Standard Edition Included for all customers Contact methods Email Initial response time 4 hours Availability 24 / 7 - Popular ### Premium Edition Standard Edition Support+ Contact methods Email, Live Chat Initial response time 15 minutes Availability 24 / 7 - Enterprise ### Enterprise Edition Premium Edition Support+ Contact methods Custom contact Initial response time Custom SLAs Availability 24 / 7 ### How to Reach Us Email: [labs-support@spektrasystems.com](mailto:labs-support@spektrasystems.com) Live Chat: [cloudlabs.ai/live-support-general](https://cloudlabs.ai/live-support-general/) ## VM Labs resources - [### Administrators Comprehensive guides on global lab settings, marketplace images, advanced networking, image galleries, and user roles.](https://help.cloudlabs.ai/docs/introduction) - [### Educators Step-by-step guides on creating and managing labs to ensure effective and engaging sessions.](https://help.cloudlabs.ai/docs/create-lab) - [### Lab setup guides Create, configure, and distribute VM labs end-to-end with the platform.](https://help.cloudlabs.ai/docs/create-configure-and-distribute-vm-labs-1) 24×7 Globally ## Global Support Options Regional data residency and multilingual support built for global teams. Select your preferred region for compliance and control over VM location. Access support in a variety of languages for a truly inclusive and seamless global experience. English Español Français Deutsch Italiano 日本語 한국어 ### North America US and Canada delivery hubs ### EMEA Europe, Middle East and Africa coverage ### APAC Asia-Pacific and Australia delivery FAQ's ## ALS migration FAQ - What is the best Azure Lab Services alternative? - How long does it typically take to migrate from Azure Lab Services? - Can existing Azure Lab Services users migrate to CloudLabs VM Labs? - What is the Microsoft-recommended alternative to Azure Lab Services? VM Labs free trial ## Start your free trial Set up CloudLabs VM Labs and run your first labs before Azure Lab Services retires. - Access enabled within 24 hours Your trial is set up for you: create up to 5 labs with 3 deployments per lab. - Up to $2,000 in Azure credits Available for qualified Azure Lab Services migrations. - Migration tooling and expert guidance Move your lab plans, lab accounts, and VM images with help from our team. - LMS compatibility checks Verify integration between CloudLabs VM Labs and your existing learning ecosystem. ## Request your trial Submit the form and your access will be enabled within 24 hours. Full name Work email Organization / Institute Job role Use case Estimated learners / users By clicking Submit, I agree to the use of my personal data in accordance with the [Spektra Systems Privacy Notice](https://spektrasystems.com/privacy-policy/). Spektra Systems will not sell, trade, lease, or rent your personal data to third parties. 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