SQL Server to Azure SQL Replication – Best How-to Guide

With the need to migrate the SQL database to the cloud server, there are various methods. One of these methods is the SQL Server to Azure SQL Replication. In this article, we are going to discuss the same method, along with the challenges the users encounter during the implementation of the replication method. 

But before understanding how the replication works, we will first look at a brief explanation of the method.

How ‘Replicate SQL Server to Azure SQL Database’ Works?

The transactional replication method is one of the methods that allows the user to migrate SQL database from on premise to Azure SQL in an efficient manner. If we talk about how the method works, the answer is quite simple. Let’s understand the Azure SQL Database replication step-by-step.

• The transactional replication duplicates all the changes made in the database.
  A major benefit of using the replication method is that the data is copied in real time, ensuring all the data is stored during migration.
• This Replication method has three main components: the Publisher, Distributor, and Subscriber. All three factors are greatly responsible for a smooth SQL Server to Azure SQL Replication. 
• The data being copied in real-time helps the users with a good backup for any database changes. 

This is how the replicate SQL Server to Azure SQL database method works in moving the SQL database to Azure SQL in a hassle-free way. We will now move to the technical implementation of the transactional replication in Azure SQL. 

Azure SQL Database Replication Step-by-Step: Overview 

For the working of the transaction replication in the Azure SQL, we need to understand all the key components of the replication method. Here, we will take a look at and learn what the components are and what their importance is during the process. 

• The first key component for the replication is the Publisher. A publisher is the source database from which the data is being copied for the migration process. It can also be defined as the blueprint of the source database and the database objects meant to be replicated. 
• Next key component is the Distributor. The distributor is responsible for storing the copied data from the source database (publisher). The distributor plays an important role in ensuring a smooth migration of the database from the on-premise server to the cloud server. 
• Then we have the Subscriber to replicate SQL server to Azure SQL database. The subscriber is the destination database that receives the data copied by the publisher. The Azure SQL database is the subscriber in this case. 
• Now we have the Articles in the SQL Server to Azure SQL replication. The articles are the specified database objects like the functions, views, triggers, and stored procedures. Users can also filter the articles as per their requirements and carry out selective replication of the databases. 
• The Publication is the set of publishers and the articles, like functions, views, etc., that are set for the transactional replication process. 
• Lastly, we have the Subscription, which simply defines a relationship between the publisher, the subscriber, and the publication. 

Now that we know all the key components of transactional replication, let’s move to the technicalities of the method and learn the solution for Azure SQL database replication step-by-step. 

How to Replicate SQL Server to Azure SQL Database?

For a precise migration of the database using the transactional replication method, it is crucial to properly follow the steps and maintain complete accuracy while doing so. 

Here, we will try to go through the steps for SQL Server to Azure SQL Replication and understand them to avoid any risks of data loss. Before the steps, let’s first take a look at the prerequisites of the transactional replication method. 

Prerequisites

1. The user must have an Azure Account Subscription.
2. Latest version of SSMS is required to easily access both the publisher and the subscriber networks. 
3. A publisher database to move the data from.
4. The subscriber database to migrate to the database. 

Set Up the Publisher

The first step in the migration process is to set up the publisher for the replication process. Here are the steps to configure the publisher. 

1. Use SSMS to enable the replication of the SQL Database to Azure SQL migration. 
2. Next, configure the publication by providing the database objects. 
3. Now, to ensure a smooth data flow between the databases, set up a distribution database. 

Once this is done, now it’s time to set up the Subscriber. Let’s proceed with how this can be done. 

Configure the Subscriber

1. For the SQL Server to Azure SQL Replication, it is important to set up a connection between the publisher(Source Database) and the Subscriber (Destination Database). 
2. For the configuration of the Subscriber, the users can use the SQL Server Management Studio. 
3. After setting up both the Publisher and the Subscriber, it’s now time to begin with the replication process. 

Transactional Replication

1. To replicate the SQL server to the Azure SQL database, the first step is to create a snapshot of the publication data and the database objects that the user wishes to replicate. 
2. Use a distribution agent for the management and transfer the created snapshot from the publisher to the subscriber database. 
3. After all the components are set up and configured, it is now time to start the SQL Server to Azure SQL Replication.
   There are two main agents for carrying out the tasks effectively. These agents are:
   Log Reader Agent
   The Distribution Agent
4. The log reader agent is responsible for monitoring the transaction log of the source database(publisher).
5. Similarly, the distribution agent is responsible for the transfer of changes from the distribution database to the destination database(Subscriber).

After following the Azure SQL database replication step-by-step, it is necessary to monitor the process and maintain the database. There are a few maintenance tips for the users after the replication is done. 

Maintenance & Monitoring

• Keep a regular check on the replication status of the database. Various tools like the SQL Server Management Studio and the Azure Monitor, can be used for the monitoring process. 
• Inspect and check for the errors and issues that might create challenges for the users after the Azure Database replication. 
• It is also important to regularly maintain the database after the replication and implement schema changes to prevent any kind of conflicts. 

These are the thoroughly explained steps to replicate SQL Server to Azure SQL database. Now, it is also important for us to understand what kinds of challenges the users encounter during the replication process. We will now proceed with the challenges during the Transactional Replication Process in the migration of SQL Server to Azure SQL. 

Challenges Faced By the Users During the Replication Process

Even though we have explained the method thoroughly, it is still considered complicated for users who aren’t technically aware of the databases. This makes it challenging for them to carry out this method for the migration of the databases. Let’s go through these challenges that are encountered by the users during the SQL Server to Azure SQL Replication. 

• Data Inconsistency After SQL Replication
• Issues with Network Connectivity
• Challenges with Performance After Transactional Replication
• Monitoring Challenges in the Databases
• Incompatibility of Schema of the Two Databases

These all are the challenges encountered by the users and further complicate the operations and the workflow in SQL. No matter the appropriate method for the SQL migration, if the user misses or performs any wrong step, it can majorly impact the process and result in data loss or database corruption. 

So, what can we do in these situations? The answer is simple. With the help of a professional solution, the users can not only carry out the process accurately but also repair any corruption in the database if it occurs. How about we take a look at how the professional tool will help in this situation?

Advanced Solution for Migration of SQL Server Database to Azure SQL

If we talk about how a professional solution can help to replicate SQL server to Azure SQL database, the solution is using a reliable and trusted tool by expert database administrators. A similar solution is the SQL Server to Azure SQL Database Migration Tool.

Let’s take a look at the steps to how the tool works and how it is more efficient for the users.

1. Install and launch the software. Click on the open button to add the database files to the tool. 
2. From the Offline and Online modes, choose the desired mode and then configure the authentication settings in the software panel. 
3. Add the database name and then wait for the scan of the database files. 
4. After the scan, preview the database files and then click on the Export button for SQL Server to Azure SQL Replication. 
5. Select the Azure database option from the Export to option and then read the prerequisites to ensure a smooth migration of database.
6. Add the required Server name in the specified area and then enter the other required credentials in the software window. 
7. Next, click on the connect button and add the destination database. Choose the database objects that you wish to migrate. 
8. Click on the Migrate Button to finish the Azure SQL database replication step-by-step process. 

Following these steps will help you to efficiently carry out the migration process without risking data security. In this way, you can replicate the database without any challenges and complex steps. 

Conclusion

With the help of this technical write-up, we have understood the method of SQL Server to Azure SQL Replication. Additionally, we have mentioned how the process can be carried out and what the challenges encountered by the users during the transactional replication process. We have also suggested a less complex solution that will help the users with the easy migration of the database.