SQL to Azure SQL Migration: Understanding the Methods

If we talk about SQL to Azure SQL migration, users might find it complex to smoothly carry out the migration process. Therefore, we are here with this article to understand the Azure database migration service step-by-step and make the migration more efficient.?

Before jumping right to the technicalities, with the help of this migration guide SQL server to Azure SQL database, we will first learn and understand the need for this migration. We will also learn the possible challenges the users might encounter during the SQL migration.?

Why Users Prefer Migrating to Azure SQL Database?

As we all know, the MS SQL Server has made it much efficient for users to manage and store their crucial data. But there are some exceptional benefits provided by the Azure SQL database. This becomes one of the primary reasons for SQL to Azure SQL Migration. Let’s take a look at the other reasons for migration and then understand the Azure Database migration service step-by-step.

For Cost Efficiency And Savings

The Azure SQL environment is comparatively much more cost-efficient as it follows the pay-as-you-go model for its services. This is one of the notable reasons for users to switch from the MS SQL database to the Azure SQL database.

Enhanced Scalability

With the Azure SQL Database, users get an automated scalability option. This means they can easily expand their database =s depending on their work requirement. The advanced features of the Azure SQL ensure better and improved performance of the database.?

Improved Security?

Along with the numerous benefits of the cloud SQL database, another major advantage of switching to the cloud database is the enhanced security of the database. Azure database has comparatively better security features that continuously monitor and detect threats in the database?

Better Management of Data

Being an advanced SQL database platform, Azure SQL offers users some smart and automatic handling features for SQL patches and updates. This allows the users to work efficiently with their data without worrying about the new updates.?

After understanding the benefits, it's now time to take a look at the challenges encountered by the users during the SQL to Azure SQL migration.?

Obstacles in SQL Server Migration

There are various challenges that can arise during the migration of the SQL Server database to the cloud database. Here are some of these challenges that can affect the migration process for the users.?

Compatibility Issues With the Databases

While migrating the database from the on-premise server to a cloud server, compatibility issues can be a possible problem. There are chances that some of the features in the SQL Server will not be supported by the Azure SQL. This might create bigger challenges for the users.?

Differences in Database Performances

The on-premise SQL databases depend on the hardware for their performances and operations. Whereas the Azure SQL database is a cloud environment. This can lead to performance differences between the two environments.?

Downtime During the Migration Process

The SQL to Azure SQL migration also depends on the size of the databases. If the database being migrated is large, it can lead to possible downtime of the database and applications.?

Security Challenges

The security features of the SQL Server database might not be supported by the Azure SQL database, creating possible security challenges for the database and the data in it. These differences can further lead to bigger risks like data loss or data inaccessibility.?

With these challenges, it becomes complex to migrate the database from one server to another. So, we will now understand the Azure database migration service step-by-step. Furthermore, we will learn the alternative methods to easily carry out the migration process.?

Migration Guide SQL Server to Azure SQL Database: Top Methods

Now, it comes to how we can seamlessly migrate SQL database to Azure SQL without facing these challenges. The first solution we have is to use the Azure Database Migration Services, also known as the Azure DMS. Let's take a look at the steps that can help with SQL to Azure SQL migration.?

How Azure Database Migration Services Work?

Here, we will now take a look at the Azure database migration service step-by-step. By following the given steps, you can carry out the migration process. There are a few phases of the whole SQL to Azure migration process. We will understand these phases and the steps in them to ensure a seamless transfer.?

Phase 1: Planning Before Migration

1. The first step is to assess the database using Data Migration Assistant. This will help you understand any compatibility issues or performance aspects of the database.
2. Opt for the accurate deployment option as per your migration requirements.?
3. Choose the appropriate migration strategy for managed downtime as per your availability.?

Phase 2: Azure Database Migration Services(DMS) Set Up

1. In this phase, you have to create a DMS instance in Azure. Go to Azure Portal and then look for the DMS option.?
2. Next, go to the Create option and then add the following settings: Subscriber, Instance name, Region, Resource Group, etc.?
3. Then, click on the Review + Create option to create the instance.?

Phase 3: Next, configure the two databases: Source and Destination Databases

1. Now, the user has to set up the Source database connection and ensure the SQL Server Authentication is enabled and validate the connection of the database.
2. After that, make sure that the Azure instance has been created and enter the required details in the given fields.?

Phase 4: Migrate Database Schema With Data Migration Assistant

1. In DMA, go to Schema Migration.
2. Connect with the source and destination databases.?
3. Generate the script for the database objects and then add the schema script to the Azure database.

Phase 5: Initiate SQL to Azure SQL Migration with Azure Database Migration Services

1. Create a new migration project in the Azure Database portal.
2. Next, select the database for the migration process.?
3. Then, click on the Start button to initiate the migration process and monitor the process.?

Phase 6: Testing in Azure After Migration

1. Now, cutover to Azure SQL Database after the migration. Run the database after migration and restart the application with the newly created Azure connection.?
2. After the Azure database migration service step-by-step, run a few queries to test the database and the database components.?

Phase 7: Steps After Completing SQL to Azure SQL Migration

With these steps, you can easily check and analyze the database performance after the migration process.?

1. Monitor and optimize SQL Database performance after the migration.
2. Follow certain security protocols like TDE, AAD, and Azure Defender to enhance the security of the database.?
3. Configure automated backups for precise and secure backups.?

With the help of this migration guide SQL server to Azure SQL database, we are now aware of how Azure database migration services can help with migrating the database from a local server to a cloud server. Now, as we can see, this method is quite complex for non-technical users to understand and work around for the database migration. Hence, we will now move to the professional solution. Furthermore, we will try to understand how this method can be helpful for the users in making the migration process easier.?

SQL to Azure SQL Migration Using Advanced Solution

To carry out the migration process easily, we will now use an advanced solution. This tool will help you easily migrate the database from the MS SQL Server to Azure SQL without facing much complexity. The solution we are talking about is the SQL to Azure Migration tool. Let’s now take a look at the steps to how this migration can be carried out efficiently.?

1. Install and run the migrator. Click on the open button to add the database files.
2. From the two given modes, Offline & Online, choose one and then configure the authentication settings.?
3. Enter the database name and then wait till the tool scans the database files.
4. Preview the database files and then click on the Export button to begin the migration.?
5. From the provided export options, select the Azure Database for the database migration and follow up with the given prerequisites for a seamless SQL to Azure SQL Migration.?
6. In the given area, enter the desired server name and then add the credentials to proceed.?
7. Then, press the Connect button and add the destination database. Now, you will be provided with the option to choose only the desired database objects that you wish to transfer.?
8. Finally, click on the migrate button to successfully carry out the Azure SQL Migration.?

By following these steps, users can efficiently migrate their on-premise database to Azure SQL. The advanced solution makes it efficient for the users to understand the process and then move the database.?

Conclusion

In this technical write-up, we have tried to understand the challenges with the SQL to Azure SQL migration process of the SQL Server to Azure SQL. Additionally, we tried to understand the Azure database migration service step-by-step to learn how it can help with the database transfer. But the method is quite complicated for even technical users to understand and carry out, hence, we have recommended using a professional solution to make the transfer easier. With the help of migration guide SQL server to Azure SQL database, you can easily go through the database migration.