Migrate SQL to Azure SQL: A Step-by-Step Guide

Migrating your SQL database to Azure SQL can be a daunting task, but with the right steps, it's achievable.

First, you'll need to assess your current database and identify any dependencies or issues that may impact the migration process. This includes evaluating the size and complexity of your database, as well as any custom code or integrations that rely on it.

To begin the migration process, you'll need to create a new Azure SQL database and configure it to match your current database settings. This includes setting the database edition, collation, and other settings that match your existing database.

The Azure SQL migration tool can help automate the migration process, but it's essential to test and validate the data integrity before and after the migration. This can be done by running queries and data comparisons to ensure that the data is accurate and complete.

Data migration is a complex process, but understanding the basics can help you navigate it smoothly. You'll need to select, prepare, and extract your data before uploading it to the target location, which in your case is Azure SQL.

There are two main options for transferring data to the cloud: online migration and offline migration. Online migration moves data across the internet without disrupting your applications, ensuring minimal downtime. Offline migration, on the other hand, involves physically shipping data via a storage appliance, which can impact performance and require more time.

Here are the main reasons why organizations undertake data migration:

These reasons are often driven by the need to upgrade databases, meet growing data and performance issues, or reduce cost and complexity.

You can migrate a database to Azure SQL Database using several methods. One of them is by using Azure Data Studio, which can easily migrate a lightweight SQL database without any complicated process.

Database Migration Service supports key migration scenarios such as SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB, making it a versatile option. You can also use transactional replication to migrate your database, which allows you to keep your source database in production while the migration occurs.

To use transactional replication, you configure your database in Azure SQL Database as a subscriber to the SQL Server instance you wish to migrate, and the distributor synchronizes data from the publisher while new transactions continue. This method is particularly useful when you can't afford to remove your SQL Server database from production during the migration.

Migrating to an on-premise solution can be a cost-effective option for businesses with specific needs.

For instance, a company with sensitive data may choose to keep its infrastructure in-house to maintain complete control over security and compliance.

On-premise solutions can be customized to meet the unique requirements of a business, as seen in the example of a company that requires a specialized software integration.

This can be particularly beneficial for businesses with legacy systems that need to be integrated with new infrastructure.

On-premise solutions can also provide better control over data sovereignty, as discussed in the article section on "Data Sovereignty Concerns".

Recommended read: On-premise to Azure Migration Step by Step

In some cases, on-premise solutions can be more reliable than cloud-based options, especially in areas with poor internet connectivity.

A company with a large user base may find that on-premise solutions are more scalable and reliable, as seen in the example of a company that needed to support a large number of users during peak hours.

On-premise solutions can be more secure than cloud-based options, especially for businesses with sensitive data, as discussed in the article section on "Security Concerns".

Curious to learn more? Check out: Azure Company

You can move widely used databases like SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB to Azure using the Database Migration Service. This service supports key migration scenarios.

The Database Migration Service can handle migrations from on-premises databases or other cloud providers. This means you can move your data to Azure regardless of where it's currently stored.

To migrate your database, you'll need to sign in to your Azure account and connect to your SQL Server resource. Then, you can use the Data-tier Application wizard to create a database from a .bacpac file. This file contains the data and schema of your original database.

You can deploy the database to Azure SQL Database using the wizard, selecting the .bacpac file and your target server. This will import the data and schema into Azure SQL Database.

Related reading: Sql Azure Migration Wizard

You have proposed to use Azure Data Studio for the migration.

This walkthrough is based on a scenario where an on-premises database is hosted on a SQL Server 2017 server and must be migrated to Azure SQL Database.

The SQL Server 2017 server has a compatibility level of 140, which will be the same for the Azure SQL Database after the migration.

A BACPAC file is successfully created, as shown in the status below.

This BACPAC file will be used to migrate the database to Azure SQL Database.

Migrating your SQL database to Azure SQL can be a daunting task, but there are tools available to ease the process. Azure Database Migration Service is a tool that simplifies, guides, and automates your database migration to Azure.

You can save time and effort by automating your move to Azure with PowerShell. Database Migration Service works with PowerShell cmdlets to automatically migrate a list of databases.

A fresh viewpoint: Azure Cli vs Azure Powershell

The service is highly resilient and self-healing, providing reliable outcomes with near-zero downtime. This means you can have peace of mind knowing your migration will be successful.

Database Migration Service supports migration from multiple sources, including Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB. This means you can migrate your data, schema, and objects from on-premises and other clouds to Azure at scale.

Broaden your view: Azure Dms

Before migrating your SQL Server databases to the cloud, it's essential to assess them first. Use the Azure SQL Migration extension in Azure Data Studio to run an assessment and identify any potential issues that might arise during migration.

This assessment will help you generate right-sized configuration recommendations to meet your workload performance requirements. You can then use these recommendations to optimize your databases for the cloud.

By taking the time to assess and plan your migration, you'll be able to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth transition to Azure SQL.

Take a look at this: Azure Cloud Migration Services

To generate scripts for migrating your business applications toolset from an on-premise SQL Server database to Azure, you can use T-SQL Scripts. This process helps create a plain text script file using the Transact-SQL language.

A plain text script file generated using T-SQL Scripts includes the complete database content and the database structure. This text can be viewed and edited using the SQL Server Management Studio or any text editor.

You'll need to have a basic know-how of Azure Data Studio, which should be installed with SQL Server Projects and SQL Schema Compare Extension. Additionally, you'll need to ensure that you're familiar with databases and can comfortably write and run SQL scripts.

Here are the prerequisites for generating scripts:

Before migrating your SQL Server databases to the cloud, use the Azure SQL Migration extension in Azure Data Studio to assess them and identify any issues that might arise during migration.

This assessment will give you a clear picture of your database's performance requirements, ensuring you choose the right configuration for the cloud.

The Azure SQL Migration extension offers a user-friendly interface to run the assessment and generate right-sized configuration recommendations to meet your workload performance requirements.

Older versions of SQL Server have more compatibility issues, so it's essential to prioritize your database migration based on its complexity and version.

Here are some key factors to consider when assessing priorities:

By prioritizing your database migration based on these factors, you'll be able to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.

Before diving into the preparation and planning stage, it's essential to ensure you have the necessary prerequisites in place. Local SQL Server has been installed on your machine.

To get started, you'll need to have a basic understanding of Azure Data Studio and have it installed with SQL Server Projects and SQL Schema Compare Extension. This will give you a solid foundation to work with.

You'll also need an Azure account signed up and a SQL Server resource provisioned to create Azure SQL databases. This will give you access to the necessary tools and resources.

A basic familiarity with databases and the ability to write and run SQL scripts comfortably is also a must-have. This will help you navigate the migration process with ease.

Here's a quick rundown of the prerequisites:

Your organization has just sent a new business requirement to migrate a lightweight SQL database to Azure in a move to analyze the results of migration.

This requirement has been sent by your organization to migrate a database to the cloud, which is a common business decision.

To start, let's assume that the migration goal is to analyze the results of the migration process itself, not just the database.

In this scenario, the business requirement is focused on the outcome of the migration, rather than just the technical process.

Understanding the business requirement is crucial to ensure that the migration is done correctly and meets the organization's needs.

The organization wants to analyze the results of the migration, which implies that they want to see how the database performs in the cloud.

This could involve monitoring performance metrics, such as query execution time and database size, to ensure that the migration has been successful.

By mimicking this business requirement, you can ensure that your planning and preparation align with the organization's goals.

To check your migrated Azure SQL Database, you can run a query like this: SELECT a.ArticleId,a.Published_Date,a.Title FROM dbo.Article a.

You can also view your database in the Azure Portal by right-clicking on the Azure SQL Database in Azure Data Studio and clicking Open in Azure Portal.

The quickest way to check the migration is to run a simple query like the one above, which will give you a quick overview of the data in your migrated database.

On a similar theme: Azure Sql Cross Database Query

After migrating your database, you need to update the statistics to ensure your queries are running efficiently. This is especially important after a migration, as the data distribution may have changed.

To update statistics, you'll want to run the "update statistics" command with a full scan. This will help the database rebuild its knowledge of the data distribution.

A full scan is necessary after a migration to ensure that the statistics are accurate and up-to-date. This will help prevent any performance issues that may arise from outdated statistics.

To learn more about managing Azure SQL Database after migration, check out the official documentation for more information.

For your interest: Devops Azure Sqlexpress Full