Database Migration Service Overview

Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) offers computing resources, orchestration features, assessment and testing tools, and documentation to guide customers through the process of migrating databases to Azure services. The service currently provides two versions, a newer DMS version used for migrating SQL Server, MySQL, and Oracle databases, and the DMS (classic) version used for MySQL and PostgreSQL databases. The services each provide guidance in choosing the right Azure service as a destination and a recommended configuration. DMS has scheduling features that can ease the migration of complex database applications that require detailed orchestration, such as multiple databases that must be migrated together over a long period of time. Customers can also use the service to migrate databases between Azure tenants, which can assist with mergers and acquisitions. However, the service is not fully automated and requires customers to perform several manual steps to address compatibility issues and configure destination services. The service also limits migrating databases to the most current version of the destination service, which may require additional upgrade efforts.