Migrate your SQL Server databases using Database Migration Service, now GA

Enterprises are modernizing their IT infrastructure with managed cloud services to boost reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness. Cloud SQL for SQL Server a fully managed database offering native SQL Server features as well as AI-powered Google Cloud innovations, is a popular choice for such modernization projects. So today, we are excited to announce that SQL Server migrations from on-premises and other clouds to Cloud SQL for SQL Server are now generally available as part of Database Migration Service (DMS)..

Database migrations are often challenging and require scarce expertise. Since we announced SQL Server migrations in Database Migration Service in April, we have received positive feedback from customers who have leveraged Database Migration Service to migrate their SQL Server workloads to Cloud SQL for SQL Server. Database Migration Service uses continuous native backup and restore technologies to minimize the complexity associated with database migrations, providing high fidelity while minimizing downtime, so your critical SQL Server databases can remain operational during the migration process.

Database Migration Service’s unique approach brings the following benefits to your SQL Server database migrations:

• Minimal downtime and system overhead : Leverage continuous native backup and restore technology to keep your source databases running while the migration progresses.
• Serverless simplicity : Eliminate the need to manage infrastructure, allowing your teams to focus on strategic initiatives.
• Security at the forefront : Support for encrypted SQL Server backups ensures robust protection throughout the migration.
• No additional charge : Available at no extra cost, making cloud migration even more accessible.

For gaming company Plarium Global Ltd , Database Migration Service’s SQL Server migration capabilities have helped it easily migrate to Google Cloud. 

“We needed a migration solution for our large, active SQL Server instances that prioritized business continuity and ease of use. DMS was the answer, enabling high-speed, low-downtime migrations with an intuitive interface that simplified advanced configurations such as combining different backup types for improved migration performance. It was the perfect fit for our needs.” - Omer Niv, CTO, Plarium – Omer Niv, CTO, Plarium

Getting started with Database Migration Service

Here’s how to start migrating your SQL Server workloads today using Database Migration Service:

1. Navigate to the Database Migration area of the Google Cloud console
First, you need to go to the Database Migrations section in your Google Cloud Console (under Databases). Here, create a new Connection Profile, pointing to the Cloud Storage bucket where your SQL Server backup files will be uploaded. This will be where DMS will get the source data.

2. Create a connection profile for the target Cloud SQL for SQL Server:
Similarly, create another Connection Profile that will point to the Cloud SQL for SQL Server instance that you have prepared to receive the migrated data.

3. Set up the migration task:
Once you have both source and target connection profiles, you proceed to create a Migration Task. In this task, you will link both connection profiles you created and specifically select the databases you want to migrate.

4. Check and launch the migration task:
Before starting the actual migration process, it is important to test your migration task. Make sure all tests are successful, confirm that all configurations are correct. When you are ready, launch the task.

5. Tải lên dữ liệu sao lưu ban đầu và liên tục:
To complete the migration, you will need to upload an initial full backup of your SQL Server database to your configured cloud storage bucket. Then, maintain ongoing uploads of transaction log backups for each database at the desired frequency. This ensures that DMS has the latest data to sync.

6. Monitor incremental loading:
After the first full backup is successfully restored, the migration phase automatically transitions from “Initial Load” to “Incremental Load” state. At this point, the Database Migration Service continuously monitors and automatically restores newly uploaded transaction log backup files, keeping the target database in sync with the source.

7. Monitoring and evaluating progress:
You can closely monitor the progress of the migration task through the built-in metrics and logs in the Console. This helps you accurately assess the right time to complete the migration process, ensuring that your data is fully synchronized and stable.

8. Complete the migration:
Once you are ready to complete, simply click the “Promote” option in the Database Migration Service. This will make the fully restored database available for use and officially complete the migration process.

That's it! Your new Cloud SQL for SQL Server database is ready to go.

Start your SQL Server migration today

With the simplicity, security, and reduced downtime of Database Migration Service, get ready to modernize your SQL Server database infrastructure and tap into the full potential of the cloud. To learn more, check out Database Migration Service .