Azure Database Migration Service
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What is Azure Database Migration Service
Azure Database Migration Service is a managed service for migrating databases to Microsoft Azure with minimal downtime. It supports assessment and migration workflows for moving on-premises or cloud databases into Azure database offerings, typically used by IT teams, database administrators, and cloud migration projects. The service focuses on database schema and data movement, with options for offline and online (continuous sync) migrations depending on source/target compatibility.
Managed Azure-native migration
Runs as a managed service within Azure, reducing the need to provision and maintain separate migration infrastructure. Integrates with Azure identity, networking, and monitoring patterns commonly used in enterprise Azure environments. Fits well when the target platform is an Azure database service and the migration is part of a broader Azure landing zone approach.
Online and offline options
Supports both offline migrations (one-time cutover) and online migrations (continuous replication until cutover) for supported engines and scenarios. This helps teams choose an approach based on downtime tolerance and operational constraints. Online migrations can reduce outage windows compared with purely offline transfer methods when prerequisites are met.
Guided tooling and assessment
Works with Microsoft’s migration tooling ecosystem (for example, assessment and compatibility checks) to plan and execute migrations. Provides structured project-based workflows that help track sources, targets, and migration status. This can reduce manual coordination compared with ad hoc scripts for common database migration patterns.
Azure-targeted by design
The service is primarily intended for migrations into Azure database targets rather than general-purpose cross-cloud or multi-destination migrations. Organizations pursuing vendor-neutral migrations may need additional tools or processes for non-Azure targets. This can increase complexity for heterogeneous environments.
Coverage varies by engine
Supported source/target combinations, features (such as online migration), and required prerequisites vary by database engine and version. Some migrations require additional steps for schema conversion, feature remediation, or application changes outside the service. Teams often need to validate compatibility and performance characteristics through testing.
Not a general integration tool
Azure Database Migration Service focuses on migration and cutover, not ongoing ELT/ETL pipelines, data quality, or broad SaaS content migrations. It is not designed for file-based content moves or end-user device recovery use cases. Organizations needing continuous data integration typically pair it with separate integration and orchestration services.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (1 vCore) | Free | Supports offline (one-time) migrations. Standard tier (1-, 2-, and 4-vCore options) is generally available and free to customers. |
| Standard (2 vCore) | Free | Supports offline (one-time) migrations. Standard tier (1-, 2-, and 4-vCore options) is generally available and free to customers. |
| Standard (4 vCore) | Free | Supports offline (one-time) migrations. Standard tier (1-, 2-, and 4-vCore options) is generally available and free to customers. |
| Premium (4 vCore) | Billed hourly (hourly rate not listed on the pricing page; varies by region/currency) | Supports online (continuous) and offline migrations for business-critical workloads. Premium 4-vCore is free for the first 6 months (183 days) from DMS service creation; after that it is billed per vCore-hour. For exact hourly rates use the Azure pricing calculator or contact Azure sales. |
Seller details
Microsoft Corporation
Redmond, Washington, United States
1975
Public
https://www.microsoft.com/
https://x.com/Microsoft
https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft/
