Migrating databases from one platform to another can be a challenging task for Database Administrators and Developers. It involves estimating timeframes, converting code, migrating data, and testing the migrated objects. In the past, this process was often tedious and time-consuming. However, Microsoft has developed a new tool called SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) to simplify the database migration process.
What is SQL Server Migration Assistant?
SQL Server Migration Assistant is a Microsoft tool designed to assist in migrating databases from Oracle to Microsoft SQL Server. It automates many of the tasks involved in the migration process, such as code conversion, data migration, and testing of migrated objects. SSMA provides accurate estimations, proper guidelines, and timely issue resolution, making the migration process more efficient and reliable.
Features of SQL Server Migration Assistant
SSMA offers a range of features to simplify the migration process:
- Installation: SSMA can be installed on the server hosting the Oracle database, the server hosting the SQL Server, or any remote server with connectivity to both databases.
- Configuring Options: SSMA allows users to configure various options, such as linked servers, file options, code conversion options, and other user-configurable settings.
- Simulation of Oracle Packages, Sequences, and Exception Handling: SSMA provides the option to simulate Oracle methodologies for code conversion in the SQL Server database.
- Migration Assessment Reports: SSMA generates migration assessment reports that estimate the complexity of the PL/SQL code and provide insights into the migration process.
- Schema Conversion and Migration: SSMA converts PL/SQL code for creating Oracle database tables to T-SQL code for creating SQL Server database tables.
- Data Migration: SSMA uses the SQL Server linked-server methodology to migrate data from Oracle database tables to SQL Server database tables.
- Converting Procedures, Functions, Views, and Triggers: SSMA can convert stored procedures, functions, views, and triggers from PL/SQL to T-SQL.
- Modes of Viewing: SSMA offers different modes of viewing the source and target database objects, making it easier to compare and analyze the code conversion.
- Migration Testing: SSMA includes a tester wizard that allows users to test the migrated database objects and compare the results with the original Oracle objects.
- Conversion on the Fly: SSMA provides a run-time converter that can convert PL/SQL code to T-SQL code at runtime, making it easier to integrate the migrated database with existing applications.
- SSMA Workspaces: SSMA allows users to save their work into a workspace file, which includes the state of both the source and target databases, as well as user-configured options.
Conclusion
SQL Server Migration Assistant is a powerful tool that automates many of the tasks involved in migrating databases from Oracle to SQL Server. It provides accurate estimations, efficient code conversion, and reliable data migration. With SSMA, Database Administrators and Developers can save time and effort in the migration process, while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the migrated database objects.