SQL Server Data Warehouse to Amazon Redshift Migration
Migrate your SQL Server DW to Amazon Redshift in 4-6 weeks with 80% cost savings, 5x faster queries, and zero downtime using AI-powered automation.
Why Migrate to Amazon Redshift?
Eliminate SQL Server licensing costs and reduce infrastructure expenses with pay-per-use pricing
Columnar storage and massively parallel processing deliver 5x faster analytics performance
Complete migration with zero downtime using automated T-SQL conversion and validation
Complete Migration Scope
Data Objects
- ✓Tables with columnstore indexes → Redshift distribution keys
- ✓Views and materialized views → Redshift views
- ✓Stored procedures → PostgreSQL functions
- ✓SSIS packages → AWS Glue ETL jobs
ETL & Processing
- ✓SSIS packages → AWS Glue or Step Functions
- ✓SQL Server Agent jobs → EventBridge schedules
- ✓T-SQL scripts → PostgreSQL-compatible SQL
- ✓Data quality rules → Glue Data Quality
Analytics & BI
- ✓Power BI reports → Native Redshift connector
- ✓SSRS reports → QuickSight or Tableau
- ✓SSAS cubes → Redshift materialized views
- ✓Excel connections → ODBC/JDBC drivers
Security & Governance
- ✓Windows Authentication → IAM roles
- ✓Row-level security → Redshift RLS policies
- ✓TDE encryption → KMS encryption at rest
- ✓Audit logs → CloudTrail and Redshift logs
4-Phase Migration Process
Assessment & Planning (Week 1)
Analyze SQL Server DW architecture and design Redshift target
- •Inventory all tables, views, stored procedures, SSIS packages
- •Analyze query patterns and workload characteristics
- •Design Redshift cluster sizing and distribution strategy
- •Create T-SQL to PostgreSQL conversion plan
Schema & Code Conversion (Weeks 2-3)
Automated T-SQL to PostgreSQL conversion with AI optimization
- •Convert table schemas with optimal distribution and sort keys
- •Transform stored procedures to PostgreSQL functions
- •Migrate SSIS packages to AWS Glue ETL jobs
- •Validate all converted code with automated testing
Data Migration & Validation (Weeks 4-5)
Parallel data transfer with continuous validation
- •Initial bulk load using AWS DMS or S3 COPY
- •Incremental sync with CDC for zero downtime
- •Row count, checksum, and business rule validation
- •Performance testing and query optimization
Cutover & Optimization (Week 6)
Final sync and production switchover
- •Final incremental sync during maintenance window
- •Update BI tools and application connection strings
- •Monitor performance and optimize queries
- •Decommission SQL Server DW after validation period
T-SQL to PostgreSQL Conversion
| SQL Server Feature | Redshift Equivalent | Conversion Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Columnstore indexes | Native columnar storage | Automatic - all tables are columnar |
| Partitioned tables | Distribution + sort keys | Convert to DISTKEY and SORTKEY |
| Stored procedures | PostgreSQL functions | Convert T-SQL to PL/pgSQL syntax |
| MERGE statement | MERGE (Redshift native) | Direct conversion with syntax adjustments |
| Window functions | Window functions | Direct conversion - fully supported |
| IDENTITY columns | IDENTITY columns | Direct conversion - same syntax |
| Temp tables (#temp) | Temp tables (temp_) | Convert # prefix to CREATE TEMP TABLE |
| SSIS packages | AWS Glue ETL | Reimplement logic in PySpark or Python |
Cost Comparison: SQL Server DW vs Redshift
| Cost Component | SQL Server DW (On-Prem) | Amazon Redshift | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing (3 years) | $450,000 | $0 | $450,000 |
| Hardware/Infrastructure | $300,000 | $0 | $300,000 |
| Compute (3 years) | Included above | $180,000 | - |
| Storage (3 years) | $150,000 | $36,000 | $114,000 |
| Maintenance & Support | $225,000 | $0 | $225,000 |
| Operations & Admin | $375,000 | $75,000 | $300,000 |
| Total 3-Year TCO | $1,500,000 | $291,000 | $1,209,000 (80%) |
People Also Ask
Can I migrate SQL Server DW to Redshift without downtime?
Yes, using AWS DMS with CDC (Change Data Capture) enables zero-downtime migration. Initial bulk load runs in parallel with production, then incremental changes sync continuously until cutover. The final sync takes only 5-15 minutes during a maintenance window.
How are T-SQL stored procedures converted to Redshift?
AI-powered conversion transforms T-SQL stored procedures to PostgreSQL-compatible PL/pgSQL functions. The system handles syntax differences, data type conversions, and Redshift-specific optimizations automatically. Complex procedures may require manual review, but 90% convert automatically with 95% accuracy.
What happens to my SSIS packages?
SSIS packages are migrated to AWS Glue ETL jobs using PySpark or Python. The conversion process analyzes SSIS data flows, transformations, and control logic, then generates equivalent Glue jobs. Simple packages convert automatically; complex packages with custom scripts require manual reimplementation.
How long does SQL Server DW to Redshift migration take?
Typical timeline is 4-6 weeks: Week 1 for assessment and planning, Weeks 2-3 for schema and code conversion, Weeks 4-5 for data migration and validation, Week 6 for cutover and optimization. Large data warehouses (10+ TB) may require 8-10 weeks.
Will my Power BI reports work with Redshift?
Yes, Power BI has native Redshift connectors supporting DirectQuery and Import modes. Connection strings are updated to point to Redshift, and reports work without modification. Performance typically improves 3-5x due to Redshift's columnar storage and parallel processing.
Ready to Migrate to Amazon Redshift?
Get a free migration assessment and discover how much you can save by moving from SQL Server DW to Redshift.