AWS, Cloud Computing

3 Mins Read

Data Migration with AWS Schema Conversion tool (SCT)

Voiced by Amazon Polly

Introduction

Database migration is crucial for organizations looking to transition to the cloud. AWS offers a powerful tool called AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) to simplify converting database schemas and code objects from various source databases to formats compatible with target databases. In this tech blog, we will explore how AWS SCT can help you assess the complexity of your migration, automatically convert database schemas, and manage migration projects.

Pioneers in Cloud Consulting & Migration Services

  • Reduced infrastructural costs
  • Accelerated application deployment
Get Started

Converting Database Schemas with AWS SCT

  • Assess and Convert: The AWS Schema Conversion Tool, part of the AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS), is designed to make database migrations predictable. It automatically converts source database schemas and most database code objects, including tables, views, stored procedures, functions, data types, and synonyms, into a format compatible with the target database. It significantly reduces the manual effort required for migration.
  • Manual Conversion: In cases where automatic conversion is not feasible, AWS SCT marks objects that need manual conversion. Users can then manually convert these objects to ensure a successful migration.

Key Components of AWS SCT

  • Instance Profiles: Instance profiles specify network and security settings required for the migration process.
  • Data Providers: Data providers store database connection credentials, enabling SCT to establish connections with source and target databases.
  • Migration Projects: Migration projects are containers that encompass data providers, instance profiles, and migration rules. These projects serve as the core framework for database migrations using AWS SCT.

Supported Source and Target Databases

AWS SCT supports various source and target databases, making it a versatile tool for various migration scenarios.

  • Source Databases: AWS SCT can connect to a variety of source databases. This includes both commercial databases and open-source databases. Examples of supported source databases include Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and more.
  • Target Databases: AWS SCT supports a broad range of target databases. The target database is the system to which you want to migrate your data. AWS provides managed database services for various engines, and SCT can help you convert your schema to work with these services. This may include Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service) instances using different database engines, such as Amazon Aurora, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server.

Understanding the Schema Conversion Process

The schema conversion process with AWS SCT involves the following:

  • Network Setup: Users can set up network configurations to establish secure connections between source and target databases.
  • Data Provider Configuration: AWS SCT enables users to configure source and target data providers, facilitating database connections.
  • Migration Project Management: Migration projects are created and managed within AWS SCT, bringing together data providers, instance profiles, and migration rules.
  • Assessment Reports: AWS SCT allows you to generate database migration assessment reports, summarizing schema conversion tasks and highlighting objects that require manual intervention.
  • Conversion: After configuring source and target data providers, AWS SCT automates the conversion of source database schemas into the target database format. Users can review and save the converted code for reference.
  • Transformation Rules: Transformation rules can be set up to modify data types, move objects between schemas, or change object names, offering flexibility during the migration process.
  • Extension Packs: For cases where certain source database features cannot be converted directly, AWS SCT creates extension packs in the target database to emulate these features, ensuring compatibility.
  • Applying Converted Code: Finally, users can apply the converted code and extension pack schema to the target database, completing the migration process.

Conclusion

AWS Schema Conversion Tool is vital in simplifying the complex database migration process to the cloud. Its automatic conversion capabilities, assessment reports, and flexible configuration options empower organizations to migrate their databases efficiently while minimizing manual effort.

However, it’s essential to understand its limitations and use it with other tools and best practices to ensure a seamless migration experience.

Drop a query if you have any questions regarding AWS Schema Conversion Tool and we will get back to you quickly.

Empowering organizations to become ‘data driven’ enterprises with our Cloud experts.

  • Reduced infrastructure costs
  • Timely data-driven decisions
Get Started

About CloudThat

CloudThat is a leading provider of Cloud Training and Consulting services with a global presence in India, the USA, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Specializing in AWS, Microsoft Azure, GCP, VMware, Databricks, and more, the company serves mid-market and enterprise clients, offering comprehensive expertise in Cloud Migration, Data Platforms, DevOps, IoT, AI/ML, and more.

CloudThat is the first Indian Company to win the prestigious Microsoft Partner 2024 Award and is recognized as a top-tier partner with AWS and Microsoft, including the prestigious ‘Think Big’ partner award from AWS and the Microsoft Superstars FY 2023 award in Asia & India. Having trained 850k+ professionals in 600+ cloud certifications and completed 500+ consulting projects globally, CloudThat is an official AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, Microsoft Gold Partner, AWS Training PartnerAWS Migration PartnerAWS Data and Analytics PartnerAWS DevOps Competency PartnerAWS GenAI Competency PartnerAmazon QuickSight Service Delivery PartnerAmazon EKS Service Delivery Partner AWS Microsoft Workload PartnersAmazon EC2 Service Delivery PartnerAmazon ECS Service Delivery PartnerAWS Glue Service Delivery PartnerAmazon Redshift Service Delivery PartnerAWS Control Tower Service Delivery PartnerAWS WAF Service Delivery PartnerAmazon CloudFront Service Delivery PartnerAmazon OpenSearch Service Delivery PartnerAWS DMS Service Delivery PartnerAWS Systems Manager Service Delivery PartnerAmazon RDS Service Delivery PartnerAWS CloudFormation Service Delivery PartnerAWS ConfigAmazon EMR and many more.

FAQs

1. How does the AWS Schema conversion tool inform about manual changes?

ANS: – The AWS SCT tool can generate an assessment report that contains a lot of information about conversions to be done, including both automatic and manual conversions.

2. Does the AWS SCT tool help in data migration?

ANS: – No, you can use the AWS Data migration service to migrate tables and data. However, you can control the tasks through the AWS SCT tool.

WRITTEN BY Akshay Mishra

Share

Comments

    Click to Comment

Get The Most Out Of Us

Our support doesn't end here. We have monthly newsletters, study guides, practice questions, and more to assist you in upgrading your cloud career. Subscribe to get them all!