4 Methods for Migrating Oracle Databases to Microsoft Azure

When you migrate an Oracle database to Microsoft Azure’s cloud services, you need to choose the most suitable method for the task. The right option for your database migration project varies based on your available technical resources, the complexity of your infrastructure, and your intended use cases.

Cross-Cloud Connectivity

You have a relatively easy migration ahead of you if you already use Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. Microsoft Azure provides cross-cloud connectivity, so your Oracle databases connect directly to the Azure service. This method is not a true migration, as the data remains on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. If you’re trying to move away from Oracle’s cloud services or don’t want a multi-cloud deployment, then this would not be an ideal choice.

Lift and Shift

A lift and shift migration uses an approach that minimizes downtime potential for your organization. While Microsoft Azure lacks a dedicated Oracle database service in its cloud, you can configure Azure VM to accommodate your databases. You use Azure’s built-in migration tools to migrate your on-premises Oracle databases to the VM seamlessly.

You avoid a significant amount of downtime by configuring the Azure VM and shifting the data over to it before the cutover occurs. While you do have to temporarily pay for running two sets of databases, this approach gives you sufficient time to go through testing and work out any issues.

Database Refactoring

Legacy on-premises Oracle databases may have configurations that are poorly suited to cloud features. While you could lift and shift them as-is to Azure VM, you would end up with a wide range of issues that could result in data loss and unplanned downtime.

In this Oracle migration scenario, refactoring the code before you go through the migration may be the best option. You do have to commit significant time and resources to this project, but you end up with a modernized Oracle database that can take full advantage of the scale, performance, and agility offered by a cloud-based environment.

Database Rearchitecting

Sometimes your Oracle database technology may not be serving your current needs and use cases. Instead of migrating the databases, you can completely rearchitect your database environment. Since database needs can change significantly over the course of an organization’s lifespan, evaluating whether Oracle is the right option to take you into the cloud is important.

Learn more about what your organization needs to do before the migration with our white paper, “Getting Your Organization Ready for Your Oracle Database to Microsoft Azure Migration.”