Azure SQL Migration extension for Azure Data Studio (preview)
The Azure SQL Migration extension for Azure Data Studio enables you to use the SQL Server assessment and migration capability in Azure Data Studio.
You can use the Azure SQL Migration extension in Azure Data Studio to migrate SQL Server databases to either Azure SQL Managed Instance (Platform-as-a-Service) or to SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (Infrastructure-as-a-Service).
The new Azure SQL Migration extension in Azure Data Studio brings together a simplified assessment and migration experience that delivers the following capabilities:
- A responsive user interface that provides an easy-to-navigate step-by-step wizard to deliver an integrated assessment and migration experience.
- An enhanced assessment engine that can assess SQL Server instances and identify databases that are ready for migration to Azure SQL Managed Instance or SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines.
- A reliable Azure service powered by Azure Database Migration service that orchestrates data movement activities to deliver a seamless migration experience with minimal downtime.
- The ability to run migrations in either online (for migrations that require minimal downtime) or offline (for migrations where downtime persists through the duration of the migration) modes to suit your business requirements.
- The flexibility to install self hosted integration runtime to provide your own compute for access to source SQL Server and backups in your on-premises environment.
To learn more about the concepts for migrating databases using the Azure SQL Migration extension in Azure Data Studio, see Database migrations using Azure Data Studio.
This article describes how to install the Azure SQL migration extension through Azure Data Studio.
Prerequisites
If you don't have an Azure subscription, create a free Azure account before you begin.
The following prerequisites are also required to install this extension:
Install the Azure SQL Migration extension
To install the Azure SQL Migration extension in Azure Data Studio, follow the steps below.
Open the extensions manager in Azure Data Studio. You can either select the extensions icon or select Extensions in the View menu.
Type in Azure SQL Migration in the search bar.
Select the Azure SQL Migration extension and view its details.
Select Install.
You can see the Azure SQL Migration extension in the extension list once installed.
You can connect to the SQL Server instance in Azure Data Studio. Right-select the instance name and select Manage to see the instance dashboard and the Azure SQL Migration extension landing page.
Note
The Azure SQL Migration extension requires Azure Data Studio on a Windows operating system.
Set up auto update for the extension
You can check for updates to the extension and have them automatically updated by configuring Auto Update in Azure Data Studio settings.
To enable auto updates:
- Select the Settings icon in Azure Data Studio.
- Select the checkbox under User > Features > Extensions > Auto Check Updates.
- Select on the dropdown under User > Features > Extensions > Auto Update and select either All Extensions or Only Enabled Extensions.
Note
If you want to update the extension manually, you can disable Auto Update and install the updates from the extension in the Marketplace.
Features
Azure SQL target readiness assessment and database migrations
The Azure SQL Migration extension supports target readiness and database migrations for the following Azure SQL targets.
- SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (SQL VM)
- Azure SQL Managed Instance (SQL MI)
Migration modes
The following migration modes are supported for the corresponding Azure SQL targets.
- Online - The source SQL Server database is available for read and write activity while database backups are continuously restored on target Azure SQL. Application downtime is limited to duration for the cutover at the end of migration.
- Offline - The source database cannot be used for write activity while database backup files are restored on the target Azure SQL database. Application downtime persists through the start until the completion of the migration process.
Support matrix
| Azure SQL target | Migration mode |
|---|---|
| Azure SQL Managed Instance | Online |
| Azure SQL Managed Instance | Offline |
| SQL Server on Azure VM | Online |
| SQL Server on Azure VM | Offline |
Tip
For information on pre-requisites, features and migration workflow, see Migration using Azure Data Studio
Get help from Microsoft support
You can raise a support request for a Microsoft engineer to assist if you encounter issues or errors with your database migrations using this extension.
Select New support request on the extension to navigate to the Azure portal where you can submit a support request.
Note
Select the Feedback button if you have any suggestions or feedback to improve the extension.