Frequently Asked Questions About Oracle to SQL Server Database Migration

For decades now, the Oracle database system has largely been the mainstay of large and mid-sized organizations. However, in the current data-driven business environment existing demands and the infrastructure available are often inadequate and the need of the hour is more robust computing powers and unlimited storage repositories.

Presently, to get all these benefits, the most optimized way is to migrate on-premises databases to the cloud. There are several cloud providers and before choosing one it is essential to evaluate which suits your organizational needs the most. Assess the systems that offer the highest operational efficiencies and the lowest cost structure. Taking all these factors into account, companies are increasingly migrating databases from Oracle to SQL Server. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Oracle to SQL Server Database Migration

• What are the main differences between Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server?

Each of the database systems has its pros and cons and organizations work on one that meets their specific requirements. 

• Schemas are provided by Microsoft SQL Server as in-built into the database. On the other hand, the Oracle database supports various schemas with the instance. 
• SQL Server can be operated on the Microsoft Windows server only but the Oracle database can be installed on a wide range of platforms.
•  SQL Server does not provide star query optimization while the same is offered by the Oracle database. 
• Full, incremental, and partial database backups can be had from SQL Server while the Oracle database provides full, differential, and incremental backups. 
• In SQL Server values can be changed before commit while it is not so with Oracle.

Based on these different features, it will now be seen why it makes sense to migrate databases from Oracle to SQL Server. 

• What are the benefits of migrating databases from Oracle to SQL Server?

There are several benefits of migrating databases from Oracle to Microsoft SQL Server.

• Massive volumes of data that are essential for processing loads and running applications are handled more effectively by the SQL Server. 
• One of the critical reasons often cited by businesses for migrating databases from Oracle to SQL Server is that operating on the SQL Server is more cost-effective. Those using Oracle Enterprise Manager or Oracle Data Guard have to pay a high price for them. SQL Server, on the other hand, under one license fee provides advanced database engine features like Analysis Services or Reporting Services. Additionally, the SQL Server database keeps costs under tight control through merging of databases, visualizing servers, allotting resources optimally, and data compression. All these lead to enhanced and streamlined database management.  
• Another point about cost management is that users of the Oracle database get locked into this vendor with high license fees. This causes a dent in profitability more so when existing systems and infrastructure have to be upgraded and modernized. However, those on Microsoft SQL Server can make use of enhanced scale, performance, and security needed at the enterprise level to run applications at affordable costs. 

• One of the critical benefits of the SQL Server is that exclusive reporting systems can be designed on the SQL Server platform by utilizing its automated business intelligence capabilities. This does away with the dependence on DBAs, further reducing operational costs.   

All these aspects make Oracle to SQL Server migration a preferred option for businesses. 

• What are the preliminary steps to execute before Oracle to SQL Server migration?

Before coming to the main task of Oracle to SQL Server migration, there are a few activities to perform to make it a smooth and seamless affair. 

• Install SQL Server on the target database that is, the database where the migrated data will be hosted. Make sure that there is proper connectivity and accessibility between the source Oracle database and the target SQL Server database. 

• Install the Oracle Client and SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) on the respective servers.

• Verify any firewall issues as well as connectivity to the port before SSMA is launched and connected to the Oracle database at the source. 

• The Oracle schema has to be mapped to the exact location where the data is to be migrated to the SQL Server during Oracle to SQL Server data movement.

• All database objects of Oracle have to be converted and loaded to the SQL Server by either saving a script and running it on the SQL Server or synchronizing the database objects. 

After these preparatory steps have been carried out, the focus may shift to proper Oracle to SQL Server migration.  Carry out these steps also while migrating an Oracle database to Azure SQL database and Azure Synapse Analytics. 

• What are the most effective methods of Oracle to SQL Server migration?

One of the two methods may be adopted for migrating databases from Oracle to SQL Server. 

• One-time method: Here, all the systems are shut down during migration and the entire process is completed in one shot. If systems are not stopped, transactions that have taken place after the last backup will not show in the new target database. However, the downside here is that large data-driven organizations might find downtime inconvenient even if it is for a brief period. Before the migration, run test executions to avoid any problems that might crop up during the process. 
• Incremental data migration: In this method, the complete migration is first completed and then continuous loading of data between the source and the target database is done at preset intervals. This makes sure that the target database is updated continually with all data changes that occur in the source database.  

Choose an Oracle to SQL Server migration method that is convenient for your business.