Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant: An evaluation

Microsoft’s SQL Server Migration Assistant lets you move your information and schema to various SQL Servers. Here’s what you need to know about the tool.

Image: Dilok/Adobe Stock The Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant is a fundamental however highly efficient tool for moving databases in a couple of easy actions. While it lacks some premium features, Microsoft’s free-to-use assistant

has everything you require for an effective migration. SEE: The Vital Microsoft SQL Server Training Bundle(TechRepublic Academy)In this evaluation of Microsoft SSMA, learn more about its essential features, advantages and disadvantages,

and how this option will deal with varying budgets and tech stacks. Dive to: What is Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant? Image: Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant is among several Microsoft database tools that streamlines the process of moving a database, upgrading one to a brand-new version of SQL or restoring a backup. For instance, if you want to move a database from Oracle or MySQL to Microsoft, you can use SSMA to do that quickly and easily. SSMA is readily available in numerous variations to match different requirements, including Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant for Gain Access To, DB2, MySQL, Oracle and SAP ASE. In addition, SSMA has numerous target migration options. It supports SQL Server variations 2012 through 2019, along with Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Circumstances and Azure Synapse Analytics. SEE: Actions for performing an effective information migration(TechRepublic) A lot of options are supported for the initial and desired migrated database.

SSMA is reasonably easy to utilize, regardless of where you are transferring your database from. Information and schema migration are often major obstacles throughout this process, however SSMA includes tools to simplify both. Benefits and drawbacks of SSMA Pro: Free migration tool SSMA is a relatively straightforward tool for migrating to a Microsoft database from another relational service provider. Among the biggest benefits of SSMA is that it is complimentary to use,

migration. SSMA can automatically

repair many mistakes, however it will also tell you if a problem in your origin database requires to be solved by hand. It is highly advised that you run a conversion report, as it will enhance the procedure. Pro: SQL contrast feature You can start

your migration after running your conversion report and evaluating the results. This will link you to your destination database, where you can likewise fix or change any end-type mapping choices or compare your old and new SQL code side by side. This SQL comparison feature is especially

helpful if items in your original database do not line up completely with those readily available in your new Microsoft database. Pro: Simple management of converted schema After your location database is set up the way you desire, you can synchronize your reproduction metabase in SSMA with your genuine

location database. You can then deploy your converted schema. SSMA lets you quickly see your transformed schema to guarantee everything is correct. Pro: Automatically-generated migration reports If you enjoy with the schema

conversion, you can move ahead to the last step, which is to pick the button to move your data. SSMA instantly produces a hassle-free data migration report that you can conserve for future recommendation, that includes info on whatever you moved and the different actions taken.

Con: Doing not have user interface and toolset Must-read huge information protection Due to the fact that SSMA is free to utilize, it is rather spartan in its style. The user interface is minimal and a little dated, although it is certainly practical. The main disadvantage of Microsoft SSMA is the lack of extra tools, functions and assistance compared to premium products. Con: Limitations for users who do not understand SQL, Python or C# SSMA may be somewhat tough to navigate for those who are

not fluent in SQL. Other database migration tools such as SnapLogic usage drag-and-drop UIs that might be more friendly for those who are not familiar with the programs language. SEE: Hiring kit: Python designer (TechRepublic Premium )If you will be dealing with databases often, finding out SQL– along with Python and C#– can be useful for understanding, optimizing, and browsing your data and schema. Con: Lesser scope than

other migration tools SSMA is rather restricted in the scope of what it can do compared to other database migration tools. It only works for migrations to Microsoft databases, and only certain origin service providers are supported. SSMA also does not have advanced visualization features beyond its standard toolset. Is Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant complimentary? Microsoft SSMA is complimentary; you can download it straight from Microsoft’s website. This is probably the biggest perk of using Microsoft’s SQL Server Migration Assistant instead of other database migration tools. If you understand your method around SQL and want to do a fundamental migration

from your old database company to Microsoft

, SSMA is the best tool for the task. Is Microsoft SSMA right for me? The Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant is a practical tool that’s excellent for database management and migration teams that requirement to complete fundamental migrations to Microsoft databases. It lacks some practical and sophisticated features offered

by premium tools, however for a free-to-use program, it is sufficient to do the job. Features like the conversion report and side-by-side SQL comparison are primary but efficient for ensuring an effective migration. Check out next: Top cloud and application migration tools( TechRepublic )Source