How Does AWS Database Migration Service Work

The Database Migration Service of the Amazon Web Service, popularly known as AWS DMS is an optimized platform based in the cloud. It helps to migrate databases from on-premises systems to the cloud or from one cloud provider to another. Users can either choose between one-time migration of a complete database or continuous replication of data between the source and the target databases provided both are always kept in sync. It is an ideal service to migrate data from relational databases, NoSQL databases, and data warehouses.

How does AWS DMS work?

If AWS DMS is to function, the first task of DBAs is to establish a link between the source and the target databases. This will enable the service to recognize from where and to what destination the data has to be migrated. Once this is done, the activity that will be used to load the data from the source to the target has to be defined.

The critical benefit of AWS DMS is that the process is completely automated at all levels. This is applicable even when the keys and the tables needed for migration are absent from the target database. In such cases, the AWS SCT (AWS Schema Conversion Tool) has to be used for creating the indexes, views, tables, and triggers in the target database.

What are the benefits of AWS DMS?

All the benefits of a cloud-based environment are available in the AWS DMS. These include improved database performance, cost-efficiency, flexible data usage, and stringent security norms.

Here are some of the reasons why AWS DMS is the preferred solution of organizations for migrating databases.

· Fully managed service:AWS DMS auto-deploys, manages, and monitors all required infrastructure required to start migration within minutes after configuration. Compare this to traditional database migration that required installation of additional hardware and software and configuration and debugging of existing systems.

· Flexible storage capabilities: Since AWS DMS is based in the cloud, users get access to unlimited storage capabilities. Whenever additional storage is required, it can be downloaded in minutes from the cloud. Additionally, storage is cost-effective as users pay only for the volume used without any flat fees.

· Failover feature: In the event of an outage or crash of the primary server the failover feature of AWS DMS comes to the rescue. It automatically triggers secondary databases on-premises or in remote locationswithout break in work. When the issue is resolved, the feature works in the reverse direction and the primary server is updated with all data generated in the break period without any data loss or errors.

· Data security: AWS DMS enforces stringent data security norms. Data at source is encrypted with the AWS Key Management Service while the target database is secured with the Secure Socket Layer (SSL).

These are some of the benefits that make AWS DMS the preferred option for database migration.