Migrating Databases From Oracle to SQL Server

Before diving into the complexities of database migration from Oracle to SQL Server, understanding the present IT stack scenario in most organizations is necessary.

Oracle is the foundation for many organizations ranging from mid-sized businesses to large ones and most of them are still using on-premises database platforms. As a result, with their exponential growth, the infrastructure supporting their databases is often stretched to the maximum leading to reduced operating efficiencies.

The need of the hour is therefore an IT data stack with better data management capabilities, higher data processing power, and more storage. To get all these in the traditional environment would mean massive investments in hardware and software every time there is a spike in demand for more computing abilities and data storage.

To get around these roadblocks while optimizing database management, more and more businesses are today migrating their databases to the cloud. However, this cannot be an off-the-cuff activity, a great deal of thought and analysis should go into this exercise.

IT administrators should evaluate which cloud-based platform aligns with their present infrastructure and can ideally handle future growth of their databases and that too at a reasonable and affordable cost. One of the most preferred methods chosen today in this connection is to migrate databases from on-premises Oracle to SQL Server hosted in the cloud.

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Benefits of Migrating Databases from Oracle to SQL Server

The Cost Factor

With severe competition among businesses for market share and increasing operating efficiencies, reducing costs is one of their prime goals. Migrating databases from Oracle to SQL Server is a maximized cost-cutting solution in this regard.

The cost of operating databases on the Oracle Database Management System is higher than the cloud-based SQL Server. This is because the SQL Server offers lower-priced alternatives through data compression that reduces costs of storage, virtualizing servers, and consolidation of databases.
SQL Server databases need not be constantly monitored by DBAs. This is a big saving in recurring costs on manpower deployment.
SQL Server offers several editions and businesses can select one that matches their need without having to overpay for features that they do not need. For example, the SQL Server Enterprise edition packed with cutting-edge features is ideal for large organizations and is highly priced.

Next is the Standard edition which has fewer features and lower prices and is good for mid-sized companies. The SQL Express version with very few features is free and can be used for small businesses and startups. There is one for everybody regardless of the size of the business. On the other hand, Oracle offers the standard edition only with features that you have to pay for, whether you need them or not.

Restoring Lost or Damaged Databases

A very critical reason for migrating databases from Oracle to SQL Server is the capability of the SQL Server to restore or recover damaged databases and integrate them back into the overall IT infrastructure. The engine of the SQL Server runs queries and data storage through files, indexes, and transactions. Log Records, unlike Oracle, are written on a disk before a transaction takes place.

If there is a crash of the system or data outage, these logs are used after the issue is resolved to bring back the transactions from where the disruption occurred.

Security and Easy Configuration

SQL Server operates through complex and encrypted algorithms. This enhances the security of databases many times over. Strict access management procedures are implemented for firewalling classified business data. Moreover, SQL Server can be seamlessly set up and configured through a Stup Wizard without the need for command-line configurations. Any updates are subsequently automatically downloaded to the database.

All these attributes make Oracle to SQL Server database migration a preferred option for organizations.

Migrating Databases From Oracle to SQL Server

Preparing the System

Before moving the database, a few steps have to be followed to make the migration a continuous affair.

SQL Server must be installed in the target database so that there is seamless connectivity with the source Oracle database.
Oracle Client and the SQL Server Migration Assistance (SSMA) must be installed in the target server.
Check for any firewall issues and port connectivity before launching SSMA and connecting it to the Oracle database.
Map the Oracle schema to the point where the migration is to take place.
Convert and load all objects in the Oracle database to the SQL Server. This can be done either by saving a script and running it on the SQL Server or synchronizing all database objects.

Once these actions have been taken, the main task of migrating databases from Oracle to SQL Server may be initiated.

Migrating the Oracle Database to SQL Server

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

The one-time method is where all systems are shut down and the full migration is done in one go. If the system functions during migration, all transactions made after the last move will not be reflected in the target database. The downside here is that it is difficult for large organizations to shut down their database for any length of time without upsetting routine and critical activities.
This is the two-phase method. In the first step, the full database is migrated in one go but unlike the first method, the systems continue to operate. In the second stage, all incremental data generated after the first migration is loaded into the target database at pre-fixed intervals.

It is up to organizations to choose the Oracle to SQL Server database migration that best matches their needs.