Azure Database Migration Service

Key Features

1. Broad Database Support: It supports migrations from SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and more to Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, or other Azure data platforms.
2. Seamless Integration: Works with tools like the Data Migration Assistant (DMA) to assess and prepare your databases for migration.
3. Minimal Downtime: Online migrations ensure that your applications experience minimal disruption during the process.
4. Scalability: You can migrate databases at scale using automation tools and scripts.
5. User-Friendly: Offers a guided experience through the Azure portal, Azure Data Studio, or PowerShell.

Migration Process

1. Assessment

• Use the Data Migration Assistant (DMA) to identify compatibility issues and get optimization recommendations for your source database.
• Output: A detailed report to guide preparation.

2. Preparation

• Adjust schemas and resolve flagged issues.
• Provision your target Azure database (e.g., Azure SQL, Managed Instance).
• Configure networking with self-hosted Integration Runtime (IR) if migrating from on-premises.

3. Migration

• Offline: Requires downtime; faster, simpler.
• Online: Minimal downtime; syncs ongoing changes before cutover.
• Steps in DMS:
  1. Create a migration project.
  2. Connect Source and Target databases.
  3. Execute migration while monitoring in real-time.

4. Validation

• Confirm data integrity, validate applications, and test performance.
• Have a rollback plan if needed.

5. Optimization

• Use Azure Monitor to track performance.
• Enable automatic tuning and scale resources for workload demand.

Use Cases

• Modernization: Move legacy databases to modern Azure platforms.
• Consolidation: Combine multiple databases into a single Azure environment.
• Disaster Recovery: Set up a cloud-based backup or failover system.

Resources

• Azure Database Migration Service Documentation