Migrating data from SQL Server to SQL Azure
This guide walks you through migrating data from SQL Server to SQL Azure in a few simple steps using ESF Database Migration Toolkit. Simplify complex migration tasks and save valuable time with our streamlined approach.Prerequisite:
Software Required:
ESF Database Migration Toolkit »System Supported:
- Windows 7 or higher.
- SQL Server 6.5 or higher.
- SQL Azure.
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
- Port number:
- Enter host name (include instance if needed): e.g.,
- 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 - In the "Choose a Data Source" dialog:
-
Configure SQL Azure Data Destination
- Prerequisite:
- Enable access in Azure server's "Firewalls and virtual networks" page
- Add your client IP to the firewall rules
- In the "Choose a Destination" dialog:
- Select "SQL Azure"
- Enter server details:
- Server name: e.g.,
esf.database.windows.net - Port:
1433(default)
- Server name: e.g.,
- Provide authentication credentials:
- Username and password
- Database selection:
- Click Refresh Database to load databases
- Select target database
- Schema selection:
- Click Refresh Schema to load schemas
- Choose existing schema (
dboschema is default)
Fig. 2: SQL Azure data destination configuration - Prerequisite:
-
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
-
Select migration objects: Choose tables or views to include in the migration.
-
Execution Dialog
-
Start migration: Click "Submit" to initiate automated data transfer from SQL Server to SQL Azure.
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 --helpfor parameter options)
-
Start migration: Click "Submit" to initiate automated data transfer from SQL Server to SQL Azure.
-
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.