How to Migrate SQL Database from On Premise to Azure Step by Step?

Are you trying to learn how to migrate SQL database from on premise to Azure SQL? If so, then this is the perfect article for you to find the best solution. Although there are a few solutions available, here we are going to explain the top 2 solutions from manual & automated categories. However, in total users can find 7-8 ways but not all of them are worth trying due to several complications present in them.

User Queries for On Premise SQL to Azure Migration- Critical Causes

Before we step into the solutions, let’s take a moment to explore the queries &understand the causes for the same. Thus, here we have a query from one of the top public forums. Moreover, the causes why users want to execute on prem SQL Server to Azure migration operation are also here.

• Cost Efficiency Factor
  • Minimum Hardware Maintainance – Maintaining physical servers, storage, and cooling infrastructure often comes with a cost. However, users can reduce this cost by moving towards a cloud-based server.
  • Reduced Administrative Costs – Administrative costs like patching, backups, and upgrades are less costly in comparison to an on-premise SQL Server environment.
  • Pay Per Use Pricing Model – Only pay for what you use & avoid paying extra based on the demand & usage.
• Security Standards Factor
  • Better Security – Built-in threat detection, encryption, and access controls are some top-of-the-line security features of Azure SQL that users can avail of with this migration.
  • Compliance – Azure’s wide range of certifications meet worldwide compliances and regulations.
• Innovation and Agility Factor
  • Faster Time-to-Market – Azure’s on-demand resources help users deploy and scale applications with a really fast speed to migrate SQL on prem to Azure.
  • Core Business Focus – Business growth and IT innovation can be taken into consideration by freeing up IT resources.
  • Latest Tech Access – Get benefits from the latest database technology upgrades and integrate them with Azure services seamlessly.
• Performance & Scalability Factor
  • Elastic Scaling – The scaling in Azure is elastic as users can easily adapt to high or low workloads with utmost performance output.
  • Performance Optimization – Azure’s intelligent query processing and in-memory technologies can help in elevating performance standards.
  • Disaster Recovery & High Availability – Built-in features like automatic failover and geo-replication help increase high availability and minimize downtime.
• The Future Proofing Database Factor
  • Cloud Computing – Cloud infrastructure can make the database future-proof.

How to Migrate SQL Database from On-Premise to Azure – Best Ways

Well, there are a few ways available for users as mentioned below. However, we are going to address the Azure Data Studio & Advanced utility one in detail.

How to migrate SQL database from on premise to Azure? Know all major solutions available:

• Azure Data Studio Method
• Advanced Software Method 

Some Other Solutions Available for On-Premise SQL to Azure migration:

• DMA (Data Migration Assistant)
• DMS (Data Migration Services)
• Transactional Replication
• DACPAC
• BACPAC Import & Export
• BCP Import & Export
• Generating T-SQL Scripts

Azure SQL Migration Extension for Azure Data Studio Manual Method

Follow the below-mentioned steps carefully without mistakes. This method for learning how to migrate SQL database from on premise to Azure might be a little complex.

Step-by-step Solution:

Step-1. Download and install Azure Data Studio & Azure SQL Migration Extension in the system.

Step-2. Open the extension in the Azure data studio & launch the Migrate to Azure SQL Migration wizard here,

Step-3. Select the databases for assessment and then check if the databases are ready for migration or not. Also, check for issues if any at this stage only.

Step-4. Now, users need to Select an Azure account and destination SQL Azure database under their subscription.

Step-5. Choose the list of tables that are required to migrate from source to destination.

Step-6. Create a new Azure Database Migration Service or use if there is any existing.

Step-7. Start Database migration & monitor the progress in Azure Data Studio.

Drawbacks of Manual Solution to Migrate SQL On Prem to Azure

Now, that users are aware of the manual solution, they must go through the drawbacks of this solution to know what to avoid.

Limited Scope – Small databases and less complex migration can be executed through this method but bigger databases & more complex operations are hard to handle.

Manual Efforts – This method requires a high level of manual effort. For example, backup management, Azure environment set up in the destination, and migration monitoring.

Downtime – Due to the involvement of offline migration, it requires the application to undergo downtime for a particular time. It makes on prem SQL Server to Azure migration tough for users.

Limited Automation – Due to the nature of the operation, users have much fewer options for automation in this operation & they have to do more manual efforts.

Skill Requirement – Users must be technically proficient in SQL Server, Azure, and migration operations. Without the required skills, users can blunder at any point.

Also Read: Restore Azure SQL Database from One Server to Another One.

On Premise SQL to Azure Migration Step by Step Using Automated Method

Now that users have explored the manual solution, it’s time for them to simply understand the expert-recommended automated solution. SysTools SQL Server Migrator software is quite advanced and can help users learn how to migrate SQL database from on premise to Azure with ease.

This tool is quite advanced as it can execute both on premise and cloud SQL migration. Moreover, it offers a free demo version which makes it easier for users to test it out. 

Download the tool for free and follow the steps below:

Step-1. Install and Open the Tool by Hitting the Open button.

Step-2. Select Online or Offline source database selection.

Step-3. Preview Database Objects after scanning objects.

Step-4. Set Azure SQL Server as the destination platform.

Step-5. Hit Migrate for on premise SQL to Azure migration.

Advantages of the Advanced Automated Solution

Now, when it comes to the features and benefits of opting for the automated solution, there’s a long list. Let’s quickly move towards the major ones here.

• Four migration modes as mentioned below:
  • Live SQL Server Database to Live SQL Server/Azure Database
  • Offline File (MDF) to Live SQL Server/Azure Database
  • Live SQL Server Database to SQL Script
  • Offline File (MDF) to SQL Scripts
• Migrates the database with “only schema” and “schema with data” options.
• Migrate deleted data objects and records after recovering them from the server.
•  Users can migarte table, rows, triggers, views, stored procedures, functions, etc.
• Quick and Advanced scan modes for low and high level corruption in the database.
• Supports the SQL Server 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008, 2005, & 2000.

The Final Say

Finally, we are well aware of the on premise SQL to Azure migration steps along with the drawbacks and benefits of each method. If users opt for the ideal method and follow the steps carefully, they can learn how to migrate SQL database from on premise to Azure without any data corruption, loss or any other complexity. As per SQL experts and MVPs, users must opt for the advanced solution to get a more robust and reliable solution.