SQL Server to Azure SQL Migration Guide
Complete guide for migrating on-premises SQL Server to Azure SQL Database. Learn migration paths, cost optimization, and performance tuning.
What is Azure SQL Database?
Azure SQL Database is a fully managed Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) database engine that handles patching, backups, and high availability automatically. It offers 99.99% SLA, automatic scaling, and built-in intelligence for performance optimization, making it ideal for cloud-native applications.
Azure SQL Migration Options
Azure SQL Database
Fully managed PaaS with automatic updates, scaling, and built-in intelligence.
- Best for: SaaS applications
- 99.99% SLA
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Near 100% compatibility with SQL Server for lift-and-shift migrations.
- Best for: Enterprise apps
- Full SQL Server features
SQL Server on Azure VM
Full control with IaaS for applications requiring OS-level access.
- Best for: Legacy apps
- Complete control
6-Step Azure SQL Migration Process
Assessment & Planning
Evaluate SQL Server compatibility with Azure SQL and identify migration blockers.
- Run Azure SQL Migration Assessment tool
- Identify incompatible features and dependencies
- Choose target: SQL Database, Managed Instance, or VM
- Estimate Azure costs and right-size resources
Schema Migration
Migrate database schema including tables, views, stored procedures, and functions.
- Use Data Migration Assistant (DMA) for schema export
- Fix compatibility issues identified in assessment
- Migrate logins, users, and permissions
- Create Azure SQL database with appropriate tier
Data Migration
Transfer data from on-premises SQL Server to Azure SQL using optimal method.
- Use Azure Database Migration Service for online migration
- Configure transactional replication for minimal downtime
- Use BCP or BACPAC for smaller databases
- Monitor migration progress and handle errors
Application Migration
Update application connection strings and test functionality in Azure environment.
- Update connection strings to Azure SQL endpoint
- Configure firewall rules and virtual network
- Test application functionality thoroughly
- Implement retry logic for transient errors
Performance Optimization
Tune Azure SQL for optimal performance using built-in intelligence and recommendations.
- Review Query Performance Insights
- Implement automatic tuning recommendations
- Configure appropriate service tier and compute size
- Set up monitoring and alerts
Cutover & Validation
Execute final cutover to Azure SQL and validate data integrity and performance.
- Perform final data sync
- Switch application to Azure SQL
- Validate data accuracy and completeness
- Monitor performance for 2-4 weeks
Azure SQL Cost Optimization
Typical cost savings when migrating from on-premises SQL Server to Azure SQL
On-Premises SQL Server
- SQL Server License$14,256/year
- Hardware (amortized)$8,000/year
- Maintenance & Support$6,000/year
- DBA Labor$25,000/year
- Total Annual Cost$53,256
Azure SQL Database
Save 45%- Azure SQL (General Purpose)$18,000/year
- Backup Storage$1,200/year
- Monitoring & Alerts$600/year
- Reduced DBA Labor$9,000/year
- Total Annual Cost$28,800
$24,456 annual savings + reduced management overhead + automatic scaling
AI-Powered vs Manual Azure Migration
| Feature | DataMigration.AI | Manual Migration |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment Time | 2-4 hours (automated) | 3-5 days (manual analysis) |
| Schema Migration | Automated with validation | Manual using DMA (1-2 weeks) |
| Data Migration Speed | 500GB in 3-4 hours | 500GB in 12-24 hours |
| Downtime | Near-zero with online migration | 2-8 hours typical |
| Cost Optimization | AI-recommended tier sizing | Manual estimation (often oversized) |
| Validation | 100% automated verification | Manual sampling (80-90% coverage) |
| Total Timeline | 1-2 weeks | 4-8 weeks |
| Success Rate | 99.5% first-time success | 75-85% (retries common) |