The modern business environment is data-driven with the goal of most organizations being to have cutting-edge technologies that optimize cost-effective IT infrastructure. Another thing that worries most businesses is data security. Too many breaches occur today, leading to the loss of billions of dollars, not to speak of company classified information falling into the wrong hands. The solution to all these issues is migrating databases from Oracle to SQL Server.
Benefits of Database Migration From Oracle to SQL Server
There are two main benefits that are derived by organizations when they migrate databases from Oracle to SQL Server. They are cost-effectiveness and work optimization and both will be studied separately and in-depth in this post.
Cost-effectiveness
There are several ways that SQL Server can be used to reduce costs.
- SQL Server has data compression capabilities and this can be extended to 10x. This means more savings in data storage costs apart from increasing the performance of databases. Visualization of servers and data consolidation is also increased in SQL Server.
- Oracle charges fixed and flat fees from their clients through slab rates regardless of the quantum of data used. On the other hand, Microsoft SQL Server has various editions with prices that are payable as per the size of the business and data storage requirements. This cost-effectiveness alone makes database migration a very economically viable and cost-effective solution for organizations.
Let us check out what Microsoft SQL Server has to offer. At the top of the pile is the Enterprise edition meant for large businesses with very sophisticated features. It is also very expensive. Next is the Standard edition which is ideal for small and mid-sized businesses with fewer features and prices. Finally, there is the Express edition which is free, has basic features only and is typically used by start-ups and individuals.
This structure is very useful as customers can choose the edition as per their requirements without having to pay for more data storage than they would require.
Work Optimization
SQL Server in many ways eases the workflow and database functionalities as compared to the Oracle database. Here are some of the ways that SQL Server increases operational efficiencies.
- A critical motive for businesses to migrate databases from Oracle to SQL Server is that SQL can recover and restore databases. This is possible as its database engine helps users store data and run queries through indexes, transactions, and files. Further, before finalizing any transaction, all log records are written on a disk.
Hence, in case of a crash in the operating system or a power outage, the records on the transaction logs may be used to carry out routine work without a break. After the issue is resolved, the transaction logs restore the data from the point of stoppage. There is thus no downtime or loss of data.
- A very user-friendly feature of SQL Server is the ease with which it is installed. Its Setup Wizard does so without any command-line configuration and after the installation is complete, it automatically downloads all updates and upgrades. In comparison to this facility, the installation of traditional databases needs the downloading of additional drivers and applications.
- SQL Server has stringent data safety norms in place which is one of the reasons why it is preferred over Oracle database. SQL Server data is encrypted and has complex algorithms, putting it out of reach of unauthorized persons. Effective access management programs ensure that all confidential and classified information is securely firewalled.
These are among the many reasons why migrating databases from Oracle to SQL Server is a much-preferred option for most businesses around the world.
How To Migrate Databases From Oracle to SQL Server
When you migrate databases to SQL Server, there are two steps to follow. One is the base work that needs to be done and the other is the act of migration proper. Let us dive in and understand how they work.
Base Work For Moving Databases to SQL Server From Oracle
Follow the instructions given below to prepare the ground for moving the Oracle database to SQL Server.
- Install the SQL Server in the database where the data is to be located after migration. This establishes a connection between the source Oracle databases and the target SQL Server. The target database must be installed with the Oracle Client and SSMA (SQL Server Migration Assistant.
- Map the schema to the database where the migration of Oracle to SQL Server will take place.
- Load all Oracle database objects to the SQL Server. Do so by either saving a script and applying it to the SQL Server or syncing all the database objects.
Once these steps have been completed, move on to the core activity of migrating the database from Oracle to SQL Server.
Migrating Database Oracle to SQL Server
You can use one of the following two methods for the database migration.
- Shut down all systems and complete the migration of data in one shot, from start to end. Downtime is mandatory as otherwise any new data in the source database will not be reflected in the target database while migration is going on. This is a simple and less complicated method.
However, large organizations will not find this convenient as shutting down systems even for some time may affect operational efficiencies.
- The second method of Oracle to SQL Server migration is done over two stages. In the first step, carry out the first process but do not shut down the systems. After the complete migration is over, move all the incremental data that has been generated after the last run at pre-determined intervals.
The chosen method of Oracle to SQL Server depends on the specific requirements of an organization.
