Migrating data from SQL Server to PostgreSQL

This guide walks you through migrating data from SQL Server to PostgreSQL in a few simple steps using ESF Database Migration Toolkit. Simplify complex migration tasks and save valuable time with our streamlined approach.

SQL Server vs. PostgreSQL:

SQL Server is a robust relational database management system developed by Microsoft, designed for a wide range of data management applications. It supports a variety of transaction processing, business intelligence, and analytics applications in corporate IT environments. Known for its high performance, scalability, and security features, SQL Server offers comprehensive tools for database creation, management, and maintenance, making it a preferred choice for both small-scale applications and large enterprise systems. Its integration with other Microsoft products and services further enhances its versatility and ease of use.
PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source relational database management system known for its reliability, robust feature set, and extensibility. It offers support for a wide range of data types, indexing techniques, and advanced features such as full-text search, JSON support, and geospatial data processing. With a strong emphasis on standards compliance and ACID compliance, PostgreSQL is widely used across various industries for handling complex data management tasks, from small-scale projects to large-scale enterprise applications. Its active community, frequent updates, and ecosystem of extensions contribute to its popularity and ongoing development.

Prerequisite:

Software Required:

DMToolkit_x64.zip (63.6 MiB)	64-bit Windows application for ESF Database Migration Toolkit 12.2.08 (2025-07-11). (md5: e93a0ef57622bfd8ee77d6aa6e38c13b)
DMToolkit_win32.zip (58.8 MiB)	32-bit Windows application for ESF Database Migration Toolkit 12.2.08 (2025-07-11). (md5: bd34cb7f73c88c6d0c7a44069ad756d6)

System Supported:
- Windows 7 or higher.
- SQL Server 6.5 or higher.
- PostgreSQL 7.x or higher.

Step by Step Wizard:

Configure Microsoft SQL Server Data Source
- In the "Choose a Data Source" dialog:
  - Select "Microsoft SQL Server"
- Server connection details:
  - Enter host name (include instance if needed): e.g., localhost\sqlexpress
  - For TCP/IP connections:
    - Port number: 0 (default, uses named pipes)
    - Provide username (e.g., sa) and password
- Authentication method:
  - Check Windows Authentication checkbox for integrated security
- Database configuration:
  - Click Refresh Database to list databases
  - Select existing database or enter new database name
    - New databases are automatically created during migration
- Schema configuration:
  - Click Refresh Schema to list schemas
  - Select existing schema or enter new schema name
    - New schemas are automatically created during migration
    - Default: dbo (if left empty)
Fig. 1: Microsoft SQL Server data source configuration
Configure PostgreSQL Destination
- In the "Choose a Destination" dialog:
  - Select "PostgreSQL"
- Enter server connection details:
  - Server name: localhost (default)
  - Port: 5432 (default)
- Provide authentication credentials:
  - Username: postgres (default)
  - Associated password
- Configure character encoding:
  - Select database character set (default: UTF8)
  - Required for non-ASCII characters (e.g., German, French, Japanese)
- Database selection/creation:
  - Select existing database or enter new database name
  - Click the Refresh button to list available databases
  - New databases are automatically created during migration
- Schema configuration:
  - Enter or select target schema name (default: public)
  - Click the Refresh Schema button to list available schemas
Fig. 2: PostgreSQL destination configuration
In "Select Source Table(s) & View(s)" Dialog
- Select migration objects: Choose tables or views to include in the migration.
  
  Fig. 3: Select tables and views
- Modify table structure: Click the ellipsis (...) button to access table options and schema adjustments.
  
  Fig. 4: Do transform
- Configure field mapping: In the Field Mapping options:
  - Customize destination fields (name, data type, default value, comments)
  - Select data transfer method:
    - Overwrite Table (replace existing data)
    - Empty Data (truncate before insert)
    - Append Data (add to existing data)
    - Skip Table (exclude from transfer)
  - Apply data filters before transfer
Execution Dialog
- Start migration: Click "Submit" to initiate automated data transfer from SQL Server to PostgreSQL.
  
  Fig. 5: Execute migration
- Monitor progress: Click "Browse Log" for real-time migration tracking, including issue resolution details.
- Save configuration: Click "Save as job" to store settings for:
  - Quick reloads of migration jobs
  - Command-line execution (use: dmtc.exe --help for parameter options)
Finished!

After migration completes, the toolkit generates a comprehensive report for verifying migration accuracy. You can monitor progress as the automated process runs efficiently. For any questions or feedback, contact us – our team is ready to assist.