Migrating databases to the cloud can be daunting, even for experienced IT teams. That’s where Azure Database Migration Service comes in. As businesses rush to modernize, a smooth migration isn’t just about technology, it’s a strategic move that drives efficiency and keeps you ahead of the competition.
That’s where Azure consulting experts, like the Interscale team, can make your Azure migration better. We’ve seen pretty much every migration hiccup imaginable and developed some clever ways to sidestep them while unlocking everything Azure’s cloud ecosystem has to offer.
Therefore, we are going to discuss why so many companies are turning to Azure data migration service to simplify their move to the cloud and keep their digital journey on track.
What are Azure Database Migration Service?
Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) are Microsoft’s handy set of tools built to make your journey from on-premises databases to the Azure cloud smooth and straightforward. Originally launched as its own thing, the service has grown up and become a key part of Azure Migrate—Microsoft’s unified hub for cloud migrations.
Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find two main pieces doing the heavy lifting here. First, there’s the Data Migration Assistant (DMA). The DMA scans your databases and flags potential issues before they become real problems. Then there’s the Azure Database Migration Service itself, which handles the actual moving day with surprisingly little downtime.
The beauty of this setup is how nicely these tools play with Azure’s other services. Whether you’re working with Azure SQL Database, getting into the NoSQL world with Cosmos DB, or sticking with familiar friends like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MariaDBs – everything just clicks together.
Key features of Azure Database Migration Service
Azure Database Migration Service come loaded with some seriously handy features that tackle even the trickiest migration jobs with ease.
Got critical apps need to stay live? No worries. Its online migration options let you move your databases smoothly with almost no downtime, keeping things humming along nicely. But if your business can handle a bit of scheduled downtime, you might opt for the offline migration method, which keeps things straightforward and efficient.
Before you dive into migrating, Azure’s built-in assessment tools give your existing databases a thorough once-over. They spot any compatibility hiccups, pinpoint performance bottlenecks, and highlight opportunities for fine-tuning, saving you headaches later by tackling problems before they become a pain.
Another standout feature is how effortlessly Azure handles schema conversion. It automatically translates your database structures to play nicely with Azure’s environment, keeping your data intact and everything running smoothly. And as you’re migrating, its real-time performance monitoring lets your admins keep a finger on the pulse, quickly flagging and sorting any issues that crop up.
Perhaps the cherry on top is just how cost-effective these Azure migration tools can be compared to doing it all manually. By automating the complicated bits and cutting down on the need for specialized talent, businesses save time, money, and resources, making the entire migration process a whole lot easier on your budget and your peace of mind.
Not sure how to keep things smooth after migration? Check out our complete guide to finding the best Azure managed services for Australian SMBs.
Supported Database Types
Azure Database Migration Service pretty much covers all the bases. And, if you like many Australian businesses that run SQL servers, you’re in good hands.
SQL Server migration to either Azure SQL Database or Azure SQL Managed Instance is practically the bread and butter of the service. Whether you’re on an older version or the latest edition, you’ve got solid support.
But here’s the thing: Microsoft doesn’t play favorites with just their own databases. Got open-source databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB? No problem! You can shift these to their Azure equivalents without missing a beat. Your existing apps keep running smoothly, but now, with the extra perks of the cloud.
Even Oracle users have a clear path forward. Azure has crafted specialized migration routes to move your Oracle databases over to the Azure SQL Database. The system’s smart enough to handle those tricky syntax differences between platforms. And once you’re migrated, Azure Data Studio becomes your new best friend.
Or maybe you’ve got a mix of traditional relational databases alongside some NoSQL systems and a specialized data warehouse or two. Azure Database Migration Services can bring that whole patchwork under one roof. For us, this is a game-changer for companies looking to simplify their tech landscape.
Step-by-step Guide to Using Azure Database Migration Service
Here’s how we at Interscale typically guide our clients through using Azure Database Migration Service, step-by-step. And please note, the whole process actually starts long before any data moves to the cloud.
- Pre-migration assessment: First up, we do the health check using the Data Migration Assistant. This is where we peek under the hood of your existing databases to spot any compatibility gremlins, features that might not play nice in Azure, or ways we can tune things for better performance. This helps us draw a clear roadmap.
- Azure Database Migration Service setup: We’re configuring all those network security groups and virtual networks to make sure your data travels safely between environments. This phase is more like building a secure tunnel for your valuable information.
- Source and target configuration: We double-check connection details, validate permissions, and make sure your new Azure services are perfectly sized for your workloads. Getting this right means no nasty surprises about performance or costs later.
- Schema migration: In this phase, we carefully migrate your database schemas—that includes your tables, views, stored procedures, and everything in between. We fine-tune any elements that need tweaking to keep things Azure-friendly.
- Data migration execution: Then comes the actual data migration. And it’s all about what’s best for your business. Need to keep systems running? We’ll use an online strategy with continuous synchronization. Got a maintenance window where systems can go offline? We might recommend an offline approach for speed and simplicity. For critical systems, we usually go for online migrations to keep everything up and running without a hitch.
- Post-migration validation: Our post-migration validation is like a thorough inspection. We verify data accuracy, test your applications thoroughly, and ensure everything meets both technical standards and business expectations.
Just last month, we wrapped up a project for an Australian engineering firm where we used this exact approach. What did they get? They kept operations running while we handled the migration backstage. And in our detailed guide here, we will show you exactly how to get your Azure migration strategy right from the start.
Common Challenges and How Interscale Overcomes Them
Database migrations inevitably present challenges. After years in the trenches with Azure services, we’ve developed some proven solutions to tackle these common headaches.
- Network connectivity issues: Setting up a smooth, secure connection to Azure services can get tricky, especially if your company has tight security rules. At Interscale, we’ve set up Azure ExpressRoute or service endpoints to create express lanes for your data. You will get secure, reliable connections that completely bypass internet traffic jams between your on-premises systems and Azure.
- Large database performance: Big databases can really slow down a migration. To avoid this dragging out your timelines, our team carefully segments your data, runs multiple migration streams at once, and fine-tunes the network settings to speed things up. For those truly enormous multi-terabyte databases? We’ll bring in Azure Data Box to seed your initial data.
- Schema differences: Schema differences between your original setup and the Azure target can cause headaches if not addressed upfront. Our migration specialists dive in early, conduct compatibility assessments, and build custom scripts that automate those tricky schema transformations. This way, your applications won’t miss a beat after the move
- Ensuring business continuity: Business continuity is non-negotiable in our playbook. That’s why we build solid fallback plans and use Azure’s continuous data synchronization to keep your data mirrored in both places during migration. So, even if things get complicated, your operations barely feel a bump.
At Interscale Azure consulting services, we’ve refined these approaches through hundreds of migrations. And we’ve developed these practical approaches specifically with Australian businesses in mind. So, you’re getting battle-tested solutions that actually work in the real world.
Find out why so many businesses choose to partner with an Azure migration consultant—and how to pick the right one.
Alternative Azure Migration tools
When you’re exploring Azure migration tools, it’s always good to have a few extra options up your sleeve. Here are some solid alternatives worth considering.
AvePoint
AvePoint is your go-to if you’re dealing with complicated SharePoint or Microsoft 365 environments. It complements Azure’s native tools beautifully, especially when it comes to fine-grained permission mapping and transforming content during migration.
We have seen AvePoint work wonders for clients who are swimming in document management systems with layers upon layers of metadata.
Azure Database Migration Service are fantastic for your hardcore database workloads, but when you’re dealing with content-rich migrations, AvePoint often delivers better results. Many Aussie businesses in regulated fields choose AvePoint precisely because of its robust security and compliance features.
MoveBot
For something straightforward and easy to get up and running quickly, MoveBot is a pretty handy choice. It takes a streamlined, user-friendly approach that’s particularly good for file shares and collaboration platforms.
MoveBot suits small-to-medium-sized migrations to a tee, especially when you want something that just works without too much tweaking. With automated scheduling and straightforward reporting, it’s great for teams without huge IT resources who just want their migrations sorted with minimal fuss.
Sharegate
Sharegate takes a different angle altogether. Their database migration tools put a premium on user experience. Sharegate is the pick of the bunch if your migration involves reorganizing your data structures or adjusting your information architecture. This is much different with Azure Database Migration Service, which handle heavy database workloads.
We typically recommend Sharegate when clients need to substantially restructure their data hierarchies or when they want business users directly involved in mapping decisions. And if you’re looking at multiple smaller migration projects, Sharegate’s licensing model often works out more cost-effective than some alternatives.
How Interscale Helps with the Azure Cloud Migration Process?
Interscale help your Azure cloud migration process with a careful assessment of your current infrastructure. We are making sure everything’s primed and ready to go for a smooth migration to Azure. From there, we’re with you every step of the way: planning it out, getting the job done, and then polishing things up at the end.
To keep things humming along efficiently, the team taps into powerful tools like AvePoint and MoveBot. Both tool will help automating your data pipelines and tying everything neatly together. After you’re up and running in Azure, our team gets to work fine-tuning your database performance, squeezing every bit of value from your cloud investment.
We’re constantly looking for ways to enhance efficiency while keeping costs in check – because what good is cloud migration if your bills go through the roof?
Interscale makes your Azure migration process smoother
At Interscale, we pride ourselves on being more than just a provider – we’re your partner in cloud success.
Your Next Steps
Now, it’s time to get serious about your digital transformation goals. Remember, moving to the cloud isn’t just an IT upgrade. Moving to the cloud is your ticket to a smarter, more agile, and competitive business. You don’t have to go it alone, either.
Interscale’s seasoned Azure consulting specialists are here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re managing tricky SQL server migrations, navigating complex compliance requirements, or just looking for ways to streamline operations with powerful tools like Azure Data Factory, we’ve got your back.
Reach out to our team today for a chat, and we’ll help you discover exactly how Azure database migration services can transform your business. Let’s get you up into the cloud—efficiently, smoothly, and successfully.
