MS SQL in Azure VM to SQL PaaS Migration

Below some highlight:

Phase 1: Plan and Assess

1. Evaluate Compatibility and Readiness:
• Use the Azure SQL Migration extension in Azure Data Studio (recommended replacement for DMA) to assess your SQL Server databases. This tool provides:
• Compatibility analysis for Azure SQL Database.
• Recommendations for right-sizing Azure resources based on performance data.
2. Identify Dependencies:
• Analyze application dependencies, SQL Agent jobs, linked servers, and other instance-level features that may not be supported in Azure SQL Database.
• Use Azure Migrate to discover and assess your SQL Server instances and their dependencies.
3. Plan for Schema and Data Migration:
• Identify schema changes or data type incompatibilities that need to be addressed before migration.
• Prioritize databases based on business impact and complexity.

Phase 2: Migration

1. Choose the Right Migration Tool:
• Azure Database Migration Service (DMS):
• Supports both offline (minimal downtime) and online (near-zero downtime) migrations.
• Ideal for large-scale migrations and continuous data replication.
• Azure SQL Migration Extension in Azure Data Studio:
• Simplifies schema and data migration for smaller workloads or single databases.
2. Perform Schema Migration:
• Use DMS or SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to export and apply the schema to the target Azure SQL Database.
3. Migrate Data:
• For offline migrations, use BACPAC files or DMS.
• For online migrations, configure continuous replication using DMS to minimize downtime.
4. Test and Validate:
• Perform thorough testing to ensure data integrity and application functionality.
• Validate performance and scalability in Azure SQL Database.
5. Cutover and Optimize:
• Plan a cutover window to switch production workloads to Azure SQL Database.
• Optimize database performance using Query Store and Intelligent Query Processing.