In today’s digital environment, businesses have also taken the plunge into data-driven operations to increase efficiencies and keep a rein on costs. It is almost the norm now for organizations, regardless of size and scale, to generate huge volumes of data received from both internal and external sources. This data is then processed for analytics and instant decision-making that pushes businesses ahead of their competitors.
As the quantum of data processing is driven north, it is essential for businesses to invest heavily in IT infrastructure. However, that is not all, and goes much beyond a one-time investment; there are other costs, such as license fees of operating systems, to contend with. One of the ways to do so is to migrate databases from a traditional platform to an advanced, cutting-edge one, to optimize costs and the function of operating systems.
One of the most preferred ways to achieve this goal is to move databases from Oracle to SQL Server. Such a move is not to achieve cost benefits only but also to ensure high data durability, integrity, and stringent data security.
Benefits of Migrating Databases From Oracle to SQL Server
The benefits of moving databases from the Oracle Database Management System (DBMS) to Microsoft SQL Server can be analyzed from two perspectives. One is the technical capabilities and advanced features, and the other is the cost factor. We will evaluate how one scores over the other and why it makes sense to migrate databases from Oracle to SQL Server.
Cutting-edge Features of SQL Server
# Easy to use: The SQL Server is user-friendly without the need for any command-line configuration. The complete installation process is done by a Setup Wizard, and once it is through, all updates and upgrades are automatically downloaded. On the other hand, for Oracle, several drivers and applications must be downloaded first before the Oracle DBMS can be installed.
# Data safety and security: Data safety and security are at the top of advanced features of the SQL Server, and rightly so, given the dependence of organizations on data to power their operations. SQL Server has checks and firewalls that strictly control access to the platform where classified and confidential data are stored. Most critically, SQL Server is a fully encrypted database with protection assured through complex algorithms. This is a reason enough to migrate databases from Oracle to SQL Server to protect business interests.
# Data restoration: With databases ruling business operations, it is essential that systems are in place that make sure that data is not lost due to unfortunate crashes or outages. Here too, SQL Server stays a step ahead of Oracle. The SQL Server database engine is designed so that it can store data with queries that are run via transactions, indexes, and files. Hence, in the case of a database crash, the data can be recovered and restored to its original form.
Here is how the process works. In SQL Server, unlike the Oracle database, log records are noted on a disk before any transaction is finalized. Hence, in case of a crash or outage, there is no break in work or forced downtime, and work carries on normally through the log records. Subsequently, when the issue is resolved, the logs restore the transactions from the point where the crash occurred. Hence, there is no degradation of data or data loss affecting the performance of the SQL Server database.
Cost-effective operational capabilities
# Several versions: SQL Server offers several versions of its database, and users can choose one that best matches their requirements. The license fees, too, are in proportion to the features offered, a great boon for users, as they can pay for what they need only.
This is not available in Oracle, where flat license fees are charged even if you do not need certain advanced capabilities. This makes moving databases from Oracle to SQL Server a very attractive proposition for businesses.
Let us check the versions offered by SQL Server.
On top of the pile is the Enterprise Edition with several advanced features and high storage capacity. License cost is high with the version suitable for large organizations. Next is the Standard Edition, which has lower data storage capacity and computing speed, and is ideal for small and mid-sized businesses. Finally, there is the free Express Edition, which has the bare necessities to run a business that is widely used by startups.
Hence, a business can start from the lowest rung of the ladder by availing free but very limited storage space and computing power, and work its way up to high license fee versions as the business expands. This feature of the SQL Server is a great cost-saving opportunity for users.
# Data compression facility: The SQL Server offers a 10x data compression facility, a chance to free up storage space without compromising on the quantum of data stored. This significantly reduces storage costs as the volume of storage required and what would have been paid for drops by one-tenth. Along with the visualization of servers and data consolidation, this feature is a vital attribute of SQL Server.
How to Migrate Databases From Oracle to SQL Server
There are two ways to migrate databases from Oracle to SQL Server.
One-shot method: During the data movement, the system is shut down, and the whole database is migrated in one go. The break is required, as otherwise, any data that is generated during the migration will not be reflected in the target database. This form of migration is easy, but not suitable for large organizations that will face inconvenience due to shutting down operations.
Phased method: The one-shot method is first completed, and then all incremental data is moved from the source to the target database.
