Benefits and Processes of Migrating Database Oracle to SQL Server

In the current data-driven business ecosystem, the focus is generally on two areas. One is to have highly optimized and cost-effective IT infrastructure in place and the other is to have it without compromising on implementing cutting-edge and advanced technologies. Additionally, data security and maintenance have to be taken into account too. All these are possible when organizations decide to migrate databases from Oracle to SQL Server.

Benefits of Migrating Databases from Oracle to SQL Server

The benefits of database migration from Oracle to SQL Server can be studied from two perspectives – cost-effectiveness and functionalities.

Cost-effectiveness

• There are several ways that costs are kept under control by SQL Server. The most important is data compression capabilities to the extent of 10x. Not only does this lead to substantial savings in data storage costs but it also increases database performance. Other measures include data consolidation and visualization of servers.
• Microsoft SQL Server has several editions with different license fees and businesses can choose one according to their feature requirements and budget. On the other hand, Oracle charges fixed and flat fees for their database. This aspect makes Oracle to SQL Serverdatabase migration a very viable economic proposition for businesses.

SQL Server’s most expensive offering is the Enterprise edition with high costs and many advanced features that are ideal for large businesses. Next, comes the Standard edition good for mid and small-sized organizations with lower license fees and fewer features. Finally, there is the free Express edition that individuals and start-ups can initially use. This tiering leads to cost savings as businesses can choose one as per their budget, starting low and moving up the ladder with growth in operations.

Functionalities

• A vital motive for Oracle to SQL Servermigration is that the SQL Server can recover and restore databases as its database engine enables users to store data and run queries through files, indexes, and transactions. Log records are written on a disk before finalizing any transaction. In case of an outage or crash of the operating system the transaction logs are used to carry on with the work without a break. After the issue is set right, the transaction logs restore the incomplete transactions from where there was a break. Hence, there is no data loss or downtime because of the outage.
• SQL Server can be easily installed through a Setup Wizard without any command-line configuration. After installation, all upgrades and updates are downloaded automatically. On the other hand, the installation of traditional databases requires additional applications and drivers to be downloaded.
• Stringent data safety features make SQL Server a preferred database system over Oracle. Unauthorized persons cannot access SQL Server because of its encrypted and complex algorithms. All confidential and classified business data is kept firewalled through a network of effective access management programs.

These are some of the advantages of undertaking Oracle to SQL Servermigration. 

Preliminary Work for Oracle to SQL Server Database Migration

Before initiating the migration process a few preliminary steps have to be gone through as it cannot be done across the board.

These are the necessary ones.

• Install the SQL Server in the target database where the data is to be moved. A link has to be established between the Oracle database and the SQL Server.
• Also, install the target database with Oracle Client and SSMA (SQL Server Migration Assistant). But before launching SSMA and linking to the target database, ensure connectivity to the port and that there are no firewall issues.
• Map the schema to the target database where the Oracle to SQL Serverdatabase migration will be carried out.
• Convert and load all the Oracle database objects to the SQL Server. This can be done in one of two ways, either by syncing all the database objects or saving a script and applying it to the SQL Server.
• Before migration, check the peak workload frequencies and the key metrics. Then, implement a system such as the SQL Server Distributed Replay that replays the volume of work expected on the load harness.

These preliminary steps have to be done not only for migrating Oracle databases to the SQL Server but also when migrating Oracle databases to Azure SQL database and Azure Synapse Analytics.

Migrating Database Oracle to SQL Server

There are two ways to migrate databases from Oracle to SQL Server.

• The first is where the migration is completed in one shot and is easier and less complex of the two. All systems have to be shut down and the entire migration is started and completed in one go. The reason why downtime is required is that if the source database is functional any changes that take place after data migration has started will not be reflected in the target database.

This method is not very convenient for large data-driven organizations where downtime of systems even for brief periods will adversely impact operating efficiencies. Before starting the process, it is advisable to conduct test runs to ensure that there isno interruptions midway.

• The second method of Oracle to SQL Server database migration takes place over two stages. As in the first step, complete the migration but this time without shutting down the systems. Once the data has been moved all changes and incremental data that has been added or updated after the last run has to be migrated to the database at intervals that are pre-determined by the user.

Users have to choose one of the two methods of Oracle to SQL Server migration depending on the specific needs and conveniences of the organization.