How To Migrate Oracle Database To Microsoft SQL Servers

how to migrate oracle database to microsoft sql server

The world of information technology is constantly changing. Chief Technical Officers, CIOs, architects, and tech support workers need all the advantages they can get to cut costs, improve speed, and boost security. Customers and businesses expect quickness and data protection to avoid costly hacking or leaks that could destroy an entire business overnight.

In the modern business environment, data maintenance and security take precedence over other operational functions. It is therefore necessary that IT infrastructure is run cost-effectively without compromising on any advanced and cutting-edge capabilities. One of the ways that most organizations have opted for, regardless of the industry or the sector that it is in, is to choose database Oracle to Microsoft SQL Server migration. Let’s get into that process in greater detail below.

Big Business Benefits Of An Oracle To SQL Server Migration

The benefits accruing from Oracle to SQL Server migration can be analyzed from two perspectives.

Cost-Effectiveness

Microsoft SQL Server has several editions with tiered licensing costs and businesses can choose one that matches their needs and budget. This is against the flat and fixed license fees of Oracle. The most expensive version of SQL Server is the Enterprise edition with several cutting-edge features that make it suitable for large organizations. Next is the Standard edition that is ideal for mid and small-sized businesses (SMEs). License costs are lower but so are the features. Finally, there is the free Express edition with very limited capabilities, ideal for individuals and start-ups. By opting for a specific edition as per need, companies can save a lot in running IT infrastructure.

Apart from tiered license fees, SQL Server keeps costs under control in several other ways. One is the data compression facility that is often to the extent of 10x, where a lot is saved on data storage costs other than ensuring high database performance. Other cost-saving measures of SQL Server include visualization of servers and data consolidation. All these makedatabase Oracle to SQL Server migration a very viable and profitable option for businesses.

Functionalities

Installation of traditional databases requires additional applications and drivers to be downloaded. But SQL Server can be easily and seamlessly installed without any command-line configuration through a Setup Wizard only. After the database is installed all updates and upgrades are automatically downloaded.

A very critical motive for Oracle to SQL Server migration is that SQL Server can restore and recover damaged databases. This is possible because the database engine of the SQL Server helps users in data storage and running queries through indexes, files, and transactions. Log records are updated on a disk before committing any transaction. In case of an outage or a crash of the operating system, transaction logs are used by the instance. Once the issue is resolved, the transaction logs restore the incomplete transactions to the point of the outage. There is therefore no loss of data because of the break.

Stringent data safety and security features of SQL Server is another reason for Oracle to SQL Server migration. No unauthorized person can access the database because of its complex and encrypted algorithms. Classified and confidential data is kept insulated through a network of rigid access management programs. These are some of the benefits of Oracle to SQL Server migration. The process of Oracle to SQL Server migration The activity of Oracle to SQL Server migration cannot be initiated across the board. First, a few preparatory steps have to be gone through before the real migration process can be started. Foundation for Oracle to SQL Server migration The following steps have to be carried out before migration.

Steps For Migration

SQL Server has to be first installed in the target database where the data will be moved. Proper connectivity has to be ensured between the Oracle source database and the SQL Server target database. The target database has to be also installed with the Oracle Client and the SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA). However, before SSMA is launched and linked to the target database, verify the connectivity to the port and that there are no firewall issues.

The Oracle schema has to be mapped to the target database where the Oracle to SQL Server migration is to be carried out.

All the Oracle database objects have to be converted and loaded to the SQL server either by saving a script and applying it to the SQL Server or syncing all database objects. These steps have to be followed not only for database Oracle to SQL Server migration but also for migrating an Oracle database to Azure SQL database and Azure Synapse Analytics. Undertaking Oracle to SQL Server migration There are two ways to database Oracle to SQL Server migration.

The first is the easier of the two and is done at one go. All the systems are shut down and the migration is started and finished without a break. However, downtime is required as otherwise all transactions that have taken place at the source database since the last backup will not be reflected in the target database. This method is inconvenient for large organizations where shutting down systems even for a brief period will upset operating schedules. Before starting the migration, run test executions to ensure that the process is not interrupted in any way.

The second Oracle to MS SQL Server migration method is covered over two stages. First, the complete migration is completed between the source and the target databases like the previous method but this time without shutting down the systems. Once this is over, all changes and incremental data of transactions that happened after the last run is migrated to the target database at predetermined intervals. The method chosen for Oracle to SQL Server migration depends on the individual needs and convenience of businesses.

Finally, before migration, check the key metrics and peak workload frequencies and implement a system like the SQL Server Distributed Replay feature that replays the workload on the load harness.

Conclusion

After all of this work is completed, your business tech will run much smoother and at a lower cost. That’s an IT improvement that all of the best business builders can appreciate!