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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