Azure Database Migration Service

  • Author: Ronald Fung

  • Creation Date: 15 May 2023

  • Next Modified Date: 15 May 2024

A. Introduction

Azure Database Migration Service is a fully managed service designed to enable seamless migrations from multiple database sources to Azure data platforms with minimal downtime (online migrations).

With Azure Database Migration Service currently we offer two options:

  • Azure SQL migration extension for Azure Data Studio

  • Database Migration Service (classic) - via Azure portal, PowerShell and Azure CLI. Azure SQL Migration extension for Azure Data Studio is powered by the latest version of Database Migration Service and provides more features. Currently, it supports SQL Database modernization to Azure. For improved functionality and supportability, consider migrating to Azure SQL Database by using the Azure SQL migration extension for Azure Data Studio.

Database Migration Service (classic) via Azure portal, PowerShell and Azure CLI is an older version of the Azure Database Migration Service. It offers database modernization to Azure and support scenarios like – SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB.

B. How is it used at Seagen

As a biopharma research company using Microsoft Azure, you can use Azure Database Migration Service to migrate your on-premises databases to Azure with minimal downtime and maximum data integrity. Here are some ways you can use Azure Database Migration Service:

  1. Migrate your databases to Azure: Azure Database Migration Service allows you to migrate your on-premises databases to Azure with minimal downtime. You can use the Azure portal or Azure CLI to create a migration project and migrate your databases to Azure.

  2. Support for various database sources: Azure Database Migration Service supports migration from various database sources such as SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and PostgreSQL. This allows you to migrate your databases from different sources to Azure.

  3. High data integrity: Azure Database Migration Service ensures high data integrity during migration by using efficient data transfer methods and validating data consistency throughout the migration process.

  4. Monitor and manage migrations: Azure Database Migration Service provides monitoring and management capabilities to help you track the progress of your migrations and ensure that they are completed successfully. You can use the Azure portal or APIs to monitor migration progress, configure alerts, and troubleshoot any issues.

  5. Secure migration: Azure Database Migration Service provides security features such as encryption and secure transfer protocols to ensure that your data is protected during the migration process. You can use Azure Active Directory to manage access to your migration projects and set up granular permissions to control who can perform migrations.

C. Features

Migrate databases with Azure SQL Migration extension for Azure Data Studio

The Azure SQL Migration extension for Azure Data Studio brings together a simplified assessment, recommendation, and migration experience that delivers the following capabilities:

  • A responsive user interface that provides you with an end-to-end migration experience that starts with a migration readiness assessment, and SKU recommendation (based on performance data), and finalizes with the actual migration to Azure SQL.

  • An enhanced assessment mechanism that can evaluate SQL Server instances, identifying databases that are ready for migration to the different Azure SQL targets.

  • An SKU recommendations engine (Preview) that collects performance data from the source SQL Server instance on-premises, generating right-sized SKU recommendations based on your Azure SQL target.

  • A reliable Azure service powered by Azure Database Migration Service that orchestrates data movement activities to deliver a seamless migration experience.

  • The ability to run online (for migrations requiring minimal downtime) or offline (for migrations where downtime persists through the migration) migration modes to suit your business requirements.

  • The flexibility to create and configure a self-hosted integration runtime to provide your own compute for accessing the source SQL Server and backups in your on-premises environment.

  • Provides a secure and improved user experience for migrating TDE databases and SQL/Windows logins to Azure SQL.

Check the following step-by-step tutorials for more information about each specific migration scenario by Azure SQL target:

Migration scenario

Migration mode

SQL Server to Azure SQL Managed Instance

Online / Offline

SQL Server to SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machine

Online / Offline

SQL Server to Azure SQL Database

Offline

To learn more, see Migrate databases with Azure SQL Migration extension for Azure Data Studio.

D. Where Implemented

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E. How it is tested

Testing Azure Database Migration Service involves ensuring that the service is functioning correctly and securely, and meeting the needs of all stakeholders involved in the project. Here are some steps to follow to test Azure Database Migration Service:

  1. Define the scope and requirements: Define the scope of the project and the requirements of all stakeholders involved in the project. This will help ensure that Azure Database Migration Service is designed to meet the needs of all stakeholders.

  2. Develop test cases: Develop test cases that cover all aspects of Azure Database Migration Service functionality, including database source and target connectivity, migration validation, and migration performance. The test cases should be designed to meet the needs of the organization, including scalability and resilience.

  3. Conduct unit testing: Test the individual components of Azure Database Migration Service to ensure that they are functioning correctly. This may involve using tools like PowerShell or Azure CLI for automated testing.

  4. Conduct integration testing: Test Azure Database Migration Service in an integrated environment to ensure that it works correctly with other systems and applications. This may involve testing Azure Database Migration Service with different operating systems, browsers, and devices.

  5. Conduct user acceptance testing: Test Azure Database Migration Service with end-users to ensure that it meets their needs and is easy to use. This may involve conducting surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather feedback from users.

  6. Automate testing: Automate testing of Azure Database Migration Service to ensure that it is functioning correctly and meeting the needs of all stakeholders. This may involve using tools like Azure DevOps to set up automated testing pipelines.

  7. Monitor performance: Monitor the performance of Azure Database Migration Service in production to ensure that it is meeting the needs of all stakeholders. This may involve setting up monitoring tools, such as Azure Monitor, to track usage and identify performance issues.

  8. Address issues: Address any issues that are identified during testing and make necessary changes to ensure that Azure Database Migration Service is functioning correctly and meeting the needs of all stakeholders.

By following these steps, you can ensure that Azure Database Migration Service is tested thoroughly and meets the needs of all stakeholders involved in the project. This can help improve the quality of Azure Database Migration Service and ensure that it functions correctly in a production environment.

F. 2023 Roadmap

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G. 2024 Roadmap

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H. Known Issues

There are several known issues that can impact Azure Database Migration Service. Here are some of the most common issues to be aware of:

  1. Performance issues: If the migration service is not properly sized, it can impact performance and availability, causing issues with the speed and reliability of Azure Database Migration Service.

  2. Security issues: Security is a critical concern when it comes to Azure Database Migration Service. It is important to ensure that Azure Database Migration Service is secured and that access to the solution is restricted to authorized personnel.

  3. Compatibility issues: Azure Database Migration Service may not be compatible with all platforms, devices, or languages. It is important to ensure that Azure Database Migration Service is compatible with the organization’s existing infrastructure before implementation.

  4. Data accuracy issues: Data accuracy issues can arise when the data is not migrated correctly. It is important to ensure that data is migrated accurately to avoid data accuracy issues.

  5. Integration issues: Integration issues can arise when integrating Azure Database Migration Service with other systems and applications. It is important to ensure that Azure Database Migration Service is designed to work seamlessly with other systems and applications to avoid integration issues.

  6. Testing issues: Testing issues can arise when testing Azure Database Migration Service. It is important to ensure that testing is carried out thoroughly and that all aspects of Azure Database Migration Service functionality are tested.

  7. Migration validation issues: Migration validation issues can arise when the migration process is not validated properly. It is important to ensure that the migration process is validated properly to ensure that the data is migrated accurately.

Overall, Azure Database Migration Service requires careful planning and management to ensure that it is functioning correctly and meeting the needs of all stakeholders involved in the project. By being aware of these known issues and taking steps to address them, you can improve the quality of Azure Database Migration Service and ensure the success of your project.

[x] Reviewed by Enterprise Architecture

[x] Reviewed by Application Development

[x] Reviewed by Data Architecture