In the modern business environment, maintaining and cost-effectively running IT infrastructure is a very critical aspect in ensuring profitability and being ahead of the competition. Databases that provide cutting-edge features at low costs are the preferred option now. This is why organizations are increasingly choosing database Oracle to SQL Server migration.
An example will clear this point better. Users working on the Oracle database have to pay, in addition to the license, fees for partitioning a table. It is the same for using any other advanced features like Database Encryption or Dynamic Data Masking. These features, on the other hand, are provided by Microsoft SQL Server out of the box in its Enterprise edition. Hence, the cost factor is an important consideration for businesses for Oracle to SQL Server migration. Additionally, special tools are provided by the SQL Server for database migration like the SSMA (SQL Server Migration Assistant) that is offered free with all editions.
Benefits of Oracle to SQL Server migration
While the high costs are a factor, there are several other reasons for database Oracle to SQL Server migration.
- In addition to the lower license costs of SQL server in comparison to Oracle database, there are a variety of ways in which SQL Server keeps operating costs under control. These include data compression and consolidation and virtualization of servers.
- Increased performance levels of databases through the transparent and data compression facilities of SQL Server.
- Unlike traditional databases, SQL Server can be easily installed with a Setup Wizard without the need for a command-line configuration. Updates are thereafter automatically downloaded.
- Assured data safety and security are provided by the SQL Server through encrypted and complex algorithms that are almost impossible to penetrate by unauthorized persons. Classified business data is insulated from access through a system of strict permission management and tracking of user admission.
- One of the leading facilities offered by SQL Server is the ability to restore and recover damaged and lost databases. This is possible because the primary component of the SQL database engine facilitates data storage and running queries of users through files, indexes, and transactions. Hence, log records are entered into the disk before committing a transaction. In the event of a crash of a server, an operating system, or a database engine, transaction logs are used by the instance after the issue is resolved to restore the incomplete transactions to the point where the disruption occurred.
- SQL Server offers several editions and businesses can choose one that matches their profile. This is often a key reason for Oracle to SQL Server migration. There is the Enterprise edition with many advanced features that is ideal for large corporations and is quite expensive. The Standard edition, ideal for small and mid-sized enterprises with lesser capabilities is offered at affordable costs. The free Express edition is right for individuals and startups though there are very limited features here. There is also the Developer SQL Server edition, somewhat similar to the Enterprise SQL edition, that is exclusively meant for developers to test applications on the SQL Server.
- The maintenance and operating costs of SQL Server are quite low in comparison to the Oracle database and havetools for data storage and maintenance as well as data mining and partitioning.
With these benefits, organizations are today increasingly opting for Oracle to SQL Server migration.
Preliminary steps before Oracle to SQL Server migration
While the process of Oracle to SQL Server migration is not complex and is mainly automated, a few preliminary steps have to be carried out before the main migration process can be initiated.
- SQL Server has to be installed in the target database where the data is to be migrated. Proper connectivity has to be established between the Oracle source database and the SQL Server target database.
- Both Oracle Client and SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) have to be installed in the target database.
- Ensuring that proper connectivity is established with the port and all firewall issues are solved before launching the SSMA and linking the source database.
- Oracle schema has to be mapped to the target location where Oracle to SQL Server migration will be done.
- All the Oracle database objects have to be converted and loaded to the SQL Server by either saving a script and applying it on the SQL Server or synchronizing all database objects.
These activities have to be also initiated when migrating database Oracle to Azure SQL database and Azure Synapse Analytics.
Oracle to SQL Server migration
After the ground is prepared for Oracle to SQL Server migration, the actual process can be started. There are two ways to do so.
- In the first, the complete migration process is done without a break. The source database is shut down till the migration is completed as otherwise all transactions after the last backup or last run will not move to the target database. Test executions are necessary before migration to eliminate the possibility of errors later.
- Next is the two-step Oracle to SQL Server migration. Here, the less-used and stagnant data are first migrated to the target database. Once completed, the incremental data or changes at the source database after the last run are continually moved to the target database at pre-set intervals.
The advantage of Oracle to SQL Server migration is that the process is fully automated and does not require human intervention at any stage.
