Ways to migrate On-premise SQL database to Azure

  

Migrating an on-premises SQL database to Azure can be a complex process, but Azure provides several tools and methods to make this transition smoother. Here are some common ways to migrate an on-premises SQL database to Azure:

1. Azure Database Migration Service (DMS):

·  Azure DMS is a fully managed service that simplifies database migration to Azure. It supports various source databases, including SQL Server, and target databases such as Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and more.

·  Steps:

1.   Set up the Azure DMS service.

2.   Create a migration project.

3.   Configure source and target endpoints.

4.   Select the databases to migrate.

5.   Start the migration.

2. SQL Server Data Migration Assistant (DMA):

·  DMA is a free tool from Microsoft that helps you assess compatibility issues and migrate on-premises SQL Server databases to Azure SQL Database.

·  Steps:

1.   Assess your database using DMA to identify compatibility issues.

2.   Address any issues found during assessment.

3.   Use DMA to migrate the database schema and data.

3. Azure Database Backup and Restore:

·  If you have a small or relatively simple database, you can create a backup of your on-premises SQL Server database and restore it into Azure SQL Database or Azure SQL Managed Instance.

·  Steps:

1.   Back up your on-premises database using SQL Server tools.

2.   Restore the backup in Azure SQL Database or Managed Instance.

4. Azure SQL Managed Instance Migration:

·  If you're migrating to Azure SQL Managed Instance, Microsoft provides specific tools and guidance for this scenario.

·  Steps:

1.   Assess compatibility using DMA or other relevant tools.

2.   Use the Azure Database Migration Service or the native backup and restore method for SQL Managed Instance to migrate your database.

5. Transactional Replication or Log Shipping:

·  For minimal downtime migrations, you can set up transactional replication or log shipping between your on-premises SQL Server and an Azure SQL Database. This requires careful planning and configuration.

·  Steps:

1.   Configure replication or log shipping on the on-premises database.

2.   Monitor and ensure data synchronization.

3.   When ready, cut over to the Azure SQL Database.

6. Azure SQL Database Import/Export:

·  For small databases, you can use the Azure SQL Database import/export functionality to move data.

·  Steps:

1.   Export the data from the on-premises database to a BACPAC file.

2.   Import the BACPAC file into Azure SQL Database.

7. Custom Scripts and ETL Tools:

·  For complex migrations or special requirements, you can develop custom scripts or use ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tools like Azure Data Factory to migrate data.

·  Steps:

1.   Develop custom scripts or configure ETL tools to extract and load data into Azure.

8. Database Migration Scripts:

·  You can write custom scripts to migrate the database schema and data, especially if you have a specific configuration.

·  Steps:

1.   Create scripts to recreate the database schema.

2.   Export and import data using scripts.

Ensure that you thoroughly plan your migration, test it in a non-production environment, and have backups and contingency plans in case issues arise during the migration process. Also, consider factors like downtime, data consistency, and post-migration monitoring and optimization.