The Complete Guide to Oracle to SQL Server migration – Benefits and Challenges

Why would any organization in the modern data-driven environment want to carry out Oracle to SQL Server migrationwhen nobody has any doubts about the operating efficiencies of the Oracle database? The reason has largely to do more with profitability than anything else. Oracle has very high licensing costs and has organizations worried about their returns on investment, especially when there is a need to upgrade the existing systems. The IT infrastructure costs are directly linked to licensing costs of additional database software and this for Oracle can be quite substantial.

Further, organizations still on the traditional database systems generally face a lot of problems when there is a sudden requirement for more storage capabilities or computing power. As data usage grows, so do the expenses of maintaining database systems. One of the most optimized ways is to opt for Oracle to SQL Server migration, either within the on-premises systems or to the cloud (Microsoft Azure).

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What are the benefits of Oracle to SQL Server migration?

Several benefits accrue to organizations by migrating databases from Oracle to Microsoft SQL Server.

• Cost of License: This has already been pointed out. The cost of a license of the Oracle database system is significantly higher than that of the Microsoft SQL Server. Apart from one-time licenses, costs are also kept under tight control in SQL Server in several ways – database consolidation, virtualization of servers, and compression of data sometimes to the extent of 10x. The built-in data compression enhances databases performances too.
• Recurring operating costs are also vastly reduced as the SQL Server database is very user-friendly and does not require the constant supervision of DBAs for smooth operation. It can alsodo without command-line configuration and can be installed directly with a Setup wizard. Updates to SQL Server are downloaded automatically.
• One of the most critical benefits that make Oracle to SQL Server migrationa very rewarding proposition is the very high degree of data safety and security offered by SQL Server. The database operates through impenetrable and encrypted algorithms and sensitive data is firewalled behind stringent permission management norms and strict monitoring of user access.Several layers make the SQL Server immune to hacking and illegal database penetration.
• A very important cost-cutting factor in SQL Server is the several editions provided by it. Users can choose one that suits their needs the most by paying accordingly. The Enterprise edition of SQL Server comes loaded with advanced features and is mainly for large organizations. It is available at a high price. The lower-cost Standard edition has lesser features and is ideal for small to mid-sized businesses. The Express edition is available with still lesser features and is free, making it the preferred option for individuals and start-ups. This tiering of features in direct proportion to fees is very helpful for businesses in saving costs of IT infrastructure maintenance.
• SQL Server has capabilities out of the box which enable businesses to recover lost data or even entire databases. This is possible because the SQL Server main module database engine ensures data storage and running queries of users that include indexes, transactions, and files. The advantage here is that log records of the SQL Server are entered on the disk even before a transaction is committed. In the event of a hardware crash or database failure or outage, transaction logs are used by the instance after the issue is resolved to roll back incomplete and cut-off transactions to the same point where it took place.
• SQL Server maintenance and operating costs are significantly less than the Oracle database because of the affordable partitioning and data mining features. The tools for these activities are also cost-effective in the SQL Server.

Given all these cutting-edge benefits of SQL Server, it is not surprising that today more and more businesses are opting for Oracle to SQL Server migration.

What are the challenges faced in Oracle to SQL Server migration?

While the many benefits of Oracle to SQL Server migrationmay suggest that the process is a breeze, it is not strictly so. Some groundwork has to be done and the DBAs need to be vigilant if the process can be successful. Here are some challenges that crop up before and during the migration.

• Before starting the Oracle to SQL Server migration, verify the database volume and the frequency of peak workloads as well as the critical metrics. Activate a mechanism like the SQL Server Distributed Replay feature that replicates the workload on the load harness. This monitors the traffic and the pressure created on the IO operations, CPU, network traffic, and memory. Check the performance of the database once the migration is completed.
• Even though an index is just another object that is located in the source database, its placement varies between the Oracle database and SQL Server. Hence, it is necessary to create an effective indexing strategy to evaluate the logical layout of the tables and the links. This will enable better focusing on the business needs and use cases.
• Optimizing licensing costs is one of the key aspects of Oracle to SQL Server migration. Usually, the Standard edition features of the SQL Server are enough for migration. However, when vital parameters like availability, workload performance evaluation, manageability, and security are required, the Enterprise edition has to be used.

After Oracle to SQL Server migrationis completed, verify that data type differences and mismatches are not present.