🌐 What is Azure SQL Migration Extension?
The Azure SQL Migration Extension for Azure Data Studio is a powerful tool that simplifies the process of migrating on-premises SQL Server databases to Azure. It integrates with Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) and provides a guided, end-to-end experience for both online and offline migrations.
🛠️ How to Install the Azure SQL Migration Extension
✅ Prerequisites:
- Azure Data Studio installed on your machine.
- An active Azure subscription.
- Optional: Self-hosted integration runtime (for local network backup migrations).
📥 Installation Steps:
- Launch Azure Data Studio.
- Navigate to the Extensions Marketplace (left sidebar).
- Search for “Azure SQL Migration”.
- Click Install.
- (Optional) Enable Auto Update under:
Settings > Features > Extensions > Auto Update
💡 For offline installation, download the
.vsixpackage and install via:File > Install Extension from VSIX Package.
✨ Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Readiness Assessment | Evaluates SQL Server instances for migration compatibility. |
| SKU Recommendation Engine | Suggests optimal Azure SQL SKUs based on performance data. |
| Online & Offline Migration | Choose based on your downtime tolerance. |
| Secure Login Migration | Supports SQL/Windows logins and TDE-enabled databases. |
| Arc Integration | Displays precomputed assessments for Azure Arc-enabled SQL Servers. |
| Migration Tracking | Monitor progress in Azure Data Studio or Azure Portal. |
✅ Supported Migration Targets
| Source | Target | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| SQL Server | Azure SQL Managed Instance | Online / Offline |
| SQL Server | SQL Server on Azure VM | Online / Offline |
| SQL Server | Azure SQL Database | Offline only |
🌍 Real-World Use Cases
🏢 Enterprise Migration
A large retail company migrated 200+ databases from SQL Server 2012 to Azure SQL Managed Instance using the online mode, minimizing downtime to under 10 minutes per database [1].
🏥 Healthcare Sector
A hospital IT team used the extension to assess and migrate legacy SQL Server workloads to SQL Server on Azure VMs, ensuring compliance with HIPAA and data residency requirements [2].
🏫 Education
A university migrated its student records system to Azure SQL Database, leveraging the SKU recommendation engine to optimize cost and performance [3].
👍 Pros and 👎 Cons
✅ Pros:
- User-Friendly UI: Intuitive wizard-based interface.
- Integrated Assessment: Identifies blockers before migration.
- Flexible Modes: Online and offline options.
- Cost Optimization: SKU recommendations reduce over-provisioning.
- Secure: Supports encrypted databases and login migration.
❌ Cons:
- Azure Data Studio Retirement: Support ends Feb 2026; migration to VS Code recommended.
- Limited Target Support: Online migration not available for Azure SQL Database.
- Dependency on DMS: Requires setup and permissions for Azure Database Migration Service.
🧠 Pro Tips
- Always deploy schema first when targeting Azure SQL Database.
- Use Azure Blob Storage for faster and more reliable migrations.
- Monitor migration status in real-time via the extension dashboard.
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