Are you planning to migrate SQL databases to Microsoft Azure? Azure offers various database migration plans, deployment models, and service tiers. In addition, the Azure cloud offers a variety of database management tools for high performance, built-in high availability, scalability, and intelligent query processing capabilities. Hire Microsoft Cloud Engineers for full-fledged cloud services.
What Is SQL To Azure Migration?
Microsoft Azure, the most significant cloud service provider, offers a range of services, including computing, storage, networking, and analytics. SQL to Azure migration refers to moving a SQL database from an on-premises server or another cloud provider to the Azure cloud. Using advanced tools like Azure Database Migration Service or the Data Migration Assistant to transfer the data to an Azure SQL Database or an Azure SQL Managed Instance.
The migration may also involve configuring Azure services like Azure Virtual Machines or other services . The goal of the migration is to take advantage of the scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness of the Azure platform while ensuring minimal disruption to the database and all other applications.
4 Key Approaches of SQL to Azure Migration
There are various approaches to migrate SQL databases to Azure, but the 4 key methods are following:
1.Azure Database Migration Service (DMS)
This fully managed service automates migration, including data replication, schema conversion, and testing. It supports migrating from various sources, including SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and PostgreSQL. If you need to keep the original database accessible while migrating, Azure DMS is the best choice. Also, this is known as online migration.
The primary role of DMS is to automate the migration process, including data replication, testing, and schema conversion. It helps to minimize disruption to the databases and all the associated applications. In addition, DMS employs replication to synchronize any changes to the database while it is being moved, ensuring the recent version is transferred.
2. Azure Database Migration Assistant
The advanced tool assesses the compatibility of on-premises databases with Azure SQL Database, Managed Instances, or SQL servers on Azure VMs. Also, it develops scripts and makes essential recommendation that helps in the migration process.
DMA examines the on-premises database and offers an assessment report that covers feature parity, compatibility problems, and potential data loss. Additionally, it offers suggestions on resolving compatibility problems and enhancing the database in Azure’s performance.
If you want to kick start your journey for hybrid cloud migration, the best way is to choose the unified migration approach with Azure tool kit. Then, hire Microsoft Azure consultants in Toronto to unleash the power of the Azure cloud platform.
3. Backup and Restore
The simple and straightforward method to move on-premises servers or other cloud providers to Microsoft Azure using the backup and restore option in Azure migration is first creating a database backup and then restoring it to an Azure SQL Database, or Azure SQL Managed Instance.
Although this method is relatively easy to use and doesn’t call for additional tools or services, it might not be appropriate for large databases or those with high availability needs. Therefore, the main action in this strategy includes:
Creating a backup of the on-premises SQL database:
SQL server Management Studio or Transact –SQL scripts are used to perform this process. Backup files are saved in shared network locations or local drives.
- Copying the backup file to Azure: The Azure Import/Export service, Azure Data Box, or Azure Data Factory can all be used for this.
- Azure SQL Database or Azure SQL to back up and restore data: Transact-SQL scripts or SQL Server Management Studio are used for this. A new database with the same name and structure as the old database will be created in Azure during the restore process.
- Configure the Azure SQL Database or Azure SQL Managed Instance: This includes the necessary firewall rules, security settings, and other configurations.
4. SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Transact-SQL (T-SQL)
Transact-SQL (T-SQL) scripts and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) migrate a SQL database from an on-premises server or another cloud provider to Azure. This approach gives you greater control over the migration procedure and lets you modify the migration scripts, but it necessitates a solid grasp of T-SQL and the database schema.
Transact-SQL with SQL Server Management Studio offers a flexible method of extracting and loading data into Azure. This approach gives more flexibility and enables customization of the migration scripts by the requirements. However, it can be time-consuming and error-prone, necessitating solid T-SQL and database structure understanding.
Locations to Migrate Open-Source SQL Database to Azure
Any of the four methods used above open-source SQL databases to Azure. Your database can be migrated to Azure Virtual Machines, equivalent to running it on an on-premises server. Alternatively, you can move your database to a compatible Azure database service. This option is available only if your on-premises database uses one of the versions that the appropriate Azure service supports.
The most popular open-source databases are MySQL, Maria DB, and Postgre SQL, all supported by SQL database services offered by Azure. All these services offer the following vital characteristics:
- Built-in features for high availability
- Predictable outcomes
- Full-proof data security
- Easy scaling of resources
- Enterprise-level security and compliance
Pay-as-you-go pricing for Azure’s storage, database operations, and data transfer storage, database operations, and data transfer that you utilize.
Tap Into The World-Class Talent With Kloudeo
Kloudeo provides top-tier Azure migration consultants for the best possible migration services. Our Microsoft Cloud engineers have the knowledge and experience to evaluate your present IT setup, spot potential problems, and advise you on the best transfer strategy for your particular requirements.
They can assist you in assessing the various migration choices and selecting the one that best suits your needs. Using Azure migration consultants may assist in ensuring a successful and seamless move, minimizing disruption, improving performance, and adhering to compliance standards.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, moving SQL to Azure can provide a variety of advantages, including better security, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. The Azure Database Migration Service, the Azure Data Studio migration extension and all other listed above are just a few methods available to move SQL to Azure.
Before choosing a migration strategy for your firm, it’s necessary to consider your organization’s specific requirements because each technique has a different set of features. However, businesses may effectively migrate their data with the appropriate strategy and benefit from all the cloud has to offer.
