Most businesses today, irrespective of their size or scale, have moved from traditional methods to a data-driven environment. In the new dispensation, massive volumes of data are processed for report generation in real time so that businesses can carry out analytics and decision-making at a fast pace. 

To achieve these goals, it is necessary to have an optimized IT infrastructure in place that not only endures high data durability and integrity, but also a heightened data security level. One of the ways that these can be achieved is to move databases from Oracle to SQL Server. 

Why should you move databases from Oracle to SQL Server? 

There are two key reasons why you should migrate databases from Oracle to SQL Server: the cost factor and the technologically advanced features. Each of them will now be examined in some detail. 

Cost Effective

# Data compression facility: The SQL Server offers data compression facility up to 10x. This reduces cost of data storage as a specific volume of data can be stored at one-tenth of its capacity. Along with data consolidation and visualization of servers, this is a critical feature of the SQL Server that is not offered on the Oracle platform. 

# Several versions for cost savings: One of the main issues with businesses is that they have to pay more for database features that are not required. However, this is not applicable to SQL Server, where users can choose a version that precisely matches their needs. This is a critical reason for migrating databases from Oracle to SQL Server. 

Let us go by examples. SQL Server has the Enterprise edition with advanced features and high licensing costs, followed by the Standard edition with fewer features and lower costs. Businesses have the option to choose one that caters to their needs without paying more for features that they will not need. Oracle, on the other hand, has flat licensing fees to be paid whether the full resources are used or not. 

Advanced Features

# Easy installation: The SQL Server is easy to install and set up without the need for command-line configuration. The Setup Wizard in the SQL Server takes users through the installation process, and thereafter, all upgrades are automatically downloaded. For Oracle, installation is not that simple, and other drivers and applications need to be downloaded first. 

# Data Safety: SQL Server has in-built, stringent data security measures. Access to this platform is controlled through firewalls and access management programs. Additionally, the SQL Server is fully encrypted through complex programs, thereby ensuring heightened data security. 

# Optimized database engine: The functioning of the database engine in SQL Server gives it an edge over the Oracle Database Management System. SQL Server stores data with queries being run via files, transactions, and indexes, and therefore, data can be easily recovered and restored in case of a database crash or outage. 

Hence, it makes sense to move databases from Oracle to SQL Server.