App to azure using SQl Server

Question

1.       Does Azure have a tool to completely migrate a Sql Server back end to Azure Sql?

Answer 1

Hi @Robert Aubry

While it may not be apparent through the backend, there are indeed several methods available for migrating data from an on-premises SQL Server database to an Azure SQL database.

The following are some of the methods that can be used for data migration:

1. Create BACPAC files and export them
2. Use SQL Server Management Studio; generate scripts and use the import/export data methods
3. Use the Data Migration Assistant Wizard
4. Leverage Transactional Replication to port the data over to the cloud
5. Use PowerShell and SQLPackage.exe, an SSDT tool

Here is a Migration guide: SQL Server to Azure SQL Database

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/migration-guides/database/sql-server-to-sql-database-guide?view=azuresql

And the blog- https://www.sqlshack.com/migrate-an-on-premises-sql-server-database-to-the-azure-sql-database/

Let us know if you need any additional information.

Thank you!

Answer 2

Yes. The Azure SQL DMA (Data Migration Assistant) is the tool you are after.

The Data Migration Assistant (DMA) helps you upgrade to a modern data platform by detecting compatibility issues that can impact database functionality when you upgrade to a new version of SQL Server or migrate to Azure SQL Database. DMA recommends performance and reliability improvements for your target environment and allows you to move your schema, data, and uncontained objects from your source server to your target server.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/dma/dma-overview?view=sql-server-ver16#assess-on-premises-sql-server-instances-migrating-to-azure

For larger migrations (in terms of number and size of databases) to Azure, you should use the Azure Database Migration Service, which can migrate databases at scale.