For decades, the Oracle Database Management System (DBMS) has been the go-to platform for businesses around the world because of its high operating efficiencies. Then, why do organizations today prefer to move databases from Oracle to SQL Server?

The focus of modern business environment is cost-effective operations, with the cost of IT infrastructure directly linked to licensing costs, which for Oracle is quite substantial. This is lower for SQL Server, a critical reason why it makes sense to migrate databases from Oracle to SQL Server. 

Why would you move databases from Oracle to SQL Server?

There are several benefits of database migration from Oracle to SQL Server, with most being related to lowering operating costs. Let us check them out.

• License Costs: The license cost of Microsoft SQL Server is lower than that of the Oracle DBMS. SQL Server keeps license outlay under control by charging one-time license fees, database consolidation, virtualization of servers, and compression of data, often at a rate of 10x. Data compression facilities lower the volume required for data storage, and hence, reduce operating costs.  

• Automated operations: Human intervention through DBAs is minimal in database operations, as SQL Server is largely automated. This is because the SQL Server does not require command-line configuration and can be installed directly with a Setup wizard with automatic download of updates.

•  Recovery of lost data: The log records of the SQL Server are entered on the disk even before a transaction is committed. Further, the main module database engine ensures data storage and running queries for users that include indexes, transactions, and files. Hence, whenever there is a database crash or an outage, the data from the time the incident occurred can be recovered. This is possible as the transaction logs roll back incomplete and cut-off transactions after the issue is resolved to the same point where the crash took place.

• Multiple editions: One of the cutting-edge benefits of moving databases from Oracle to SQL Server is centered on the several editions of the platform, leading to large savings in database operations. This is how it works.

The top edition of SQL Server is the Enterprise edition for large businesses with rich features, several technologically advanced capabilities, and large volumes for data storage. The license fee of the Enterprise edition is very high, too.

Next is the Standard edition with fewer features, less data storage volume, and lower license fee. This is perfect for mid and small-scale businesses.

Finally, there is the free Express edition with very limited facilities and storage that is ideal for startups and individuals.

Hence, businesses need not invest heavily in editions with features that are not required, but can work their way up as the need for additional storage grows later.

On the other hand, Oracle charges one flat license fee, and users must invest in the features whether required or not.

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