Migrating from Other Products to SQL Server

If you currently use another database management system (DBMS), you can migrate to Microsoft® SQL Server™. Migrating from another DBMS to SQL Server involves transferring not only the data stored in the DBMS, but the databases and tables that hold the data, and other objects that interact with the data as well.

While most DBMSs work in similar ways, the architecture and terminology used can vary. For instance, there is not always a one-to-one correlation between an object in SQL Server and an object in another DBMS. Also, each DBMS creates its own extensions to the SQL-92 standard; the particular features associated with a common SQL statement can vary between SQL Server and another DBMS. Part of the migration task is making adjustments to database objects to account for these differences while making the best use of new features found in SQL Server version 7.0.

These steps are recommended when migrating to SQL Server:

1. Back up your existing database.
2. Install SQL Server 7.0.
3. Create databases and database objects in SQL Server.

   If you have an existing object creation script, you can modify it to SQL Server specifications. If you do not have an existing script, you can either create one or use SQL Server Enterprise Manager to create your database objects.

4. Alter or create applications to work with SQL Server.

   Modify existing SQL syntax and functions to meet SQL Server specifications and to take advantage of SQL Server features.

5. Transfer data to SQL Server.

   Use one of several tools for importing data into SQL Server.

6. Remove the old database after testing the new SQL Server installation. You may want to keep a copy or a backup for future reference.

Specific information is included for migrating to SQL Server from Oracle and Microsoft Access. This material describes many of the issues you may encounter in migrating existing Oracle and Access databases.

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