Migration guide: SQL Server to Azure SQL Managed Instance
Prerequisites
To migrate your SQL Server to Azure SQL Managed Instance, make sure you have:
1.Chosen a migration method and the corresponding tools for your method.
2.Install the Azure SQL migration extension for Azure Data Studio.
3.Created a target Azure SQL Managed Instance
4. Configured connectivity and proper permissions to access both source and target.
5. Reviewed the SQL Server database engine features available in Azure SQL Managed Instance.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/migration-guides/managed-instance/sql-server-to-managed-instance-guide?view=azuresql
Azure Data Studio
Is a lightweight multi-platform database tool for managing SQL Server instances and databases. While it can be used for migrations, it is not specifically designed for this purpose and does not provide the same level of automation and ease of use as Azure Migrate.
Azure Data Studio uses Azure migrate (Database migration service) under the hood.. It is just a plugin for convenience
On another hand, Azure Data studio is being retired on Feb 2026.
Why SSMS is the Correct Answer:
SSMS supports Data Migration Assistant (DMA) & native backups for Managed Instances.
Allows log shipping for minimal downtime migration.
Can perform a direct backup/restore using Azure Blob Storage.
You can use Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) and the Azure SQL migration extension in Azure Data Studio to migrate databases from a SQL Server instance to Azure SQL Managed Instance with minimum downtime. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/data-migration/sql-server/managed-instance/database-migration-service?tabs=online-with-extension
By referring this this link, I came to know that B is the answer. steps are outlined in the below link
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/data-migration/sql-server/managed-instance/guide
Answer A
how come B?
Azure Data Studio is a free, cross-platform database management tool developed by Microsoft for managing and working with SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, and other cloud and on-premises databases.
Chat GPT says:
D. SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS):
SSMS is a tool commonly used for managing SQL Server instances and databases. It offers the Data Migration Assistant (DMA) and Azure Data Migration Service (DMS) integration, which are specifically designed for migrating SQL Server databases to Azure SQL databases or managed instances.
SSMS allows for both online (minimal downtime) and offline migration options. The online migration method with DMS uses a continuous sync approach, which minimizes downtime by keeping the source and target databases in sync until the final cutover.
There is no correct answer to this, clearly.
B
Azure Data Studio
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/migration-guides/managed-instance/sql-server-to-managed-instance-guide?view=azuresql#migrate-using-the-azure-sql-migration-extension-for-azure-data-studio-minimal-downtime
i'm at my wits end with Microsoft endlesssssss tools methods features!! How far is Venus!!
I was so sure answer was A as MS seem to recommend this path for anything on-prem to Azure but after reading the link below i have sadly confusingly shockingly choose B as the answer
it is applicable to both Azure SQL instance and MI as i read both, check the left side for both types
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/migration-guides/database/sql-server-to-sql-database-guide?view=azuresql
The question seems to test whether you have read the sentence:
Migrate from SQL Server to Azure SQL Managed Instance with minimal downtime by using the Azure SQL migration extension in Azure Data Studio.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/data-migration/sql-server/managed-instance/guide#azure-data-studio
Many other migration options are listed here:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/data-migration/sql-server/managed-instance/overview#compare-migration-options
You're not the only who this MS has multiple services that does the exact same thing or can be combined to do the same thing. It creates a numerous amount of services that are unnecessary when they can just be combined into one services that has different features
I apologize for any confusion. Let me clarify why C. WANdisco LiveData Platform for Azure is not the recommended choice for minimizing downtime during database migration:
WANdisco LiveData Platform is primarily designed for continuous data replication across different environments, including on-premises and cloud. It ensures data consistency and availability by synchronizing data in real-time. However, it is not specifically tailored for database migrations.
While WANdisco LiveData Platform can be useful for maintaining data consistency during ongoing operations, it does not provide the necessary features for a seamless migration process .
Azure Data Studio Solution: On the other hand, the Azure SQL Migration extension for Azure Data Studio is specifically designed for seamless migrations with minimal disruption. It provides step-by-step guidance, assessment, and online migration options, ensuring a smooth transition.
So, Correct Answer it's B. no C.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/sql-server/migrate/dma-azure-migrate-compare-migration-tools?view=sql-server-ver16#quick-compariso
Use Azure Migrate in the following scenarios:
Easily migrate SQL Server databases to Azure SQL Database without the need for complex scripts or manual steps.
Migrate small or large databases.
Use Azure Migrate in the following scenarios:
Assess and discover your SQL Server data estate.
Get Azure SQL deployment recommendations, target sizing, and monthly estimates.
Lift your entire data estate to SQL Server on Azure VMs.
Per Microsoft's migration matrix Azure Data Studio is compatible with SQL Managed Instance. See the link below:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/sql-server/migrate/dma-azure-migrate-compare-migration-tools?view=sql-server-ver16#quick-compariso
Capability Azure Migrate DMA SSMA DMS DEA Azure Data Studio xtn
SQL Managed No Yes No Yes No Y
Answer B: Azure SQL migration extension for Azure Data Studio - migration with near-zero downtime. taken from https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/migration-guides/managed-instance/sql-server-to-managed-instance-guide?view=azuresql
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