For migrating databases quickly and securely to Amazon Web Service (AWS), the optimal method is deploying the Database Migration Service (DMS). There are several advantages but the most critical is that migration can be carried out without any downtime or stoppage of work. The source database from where the data is migrated remains fully functional throughout the process. AWS DMS also ensures that data can be migrated to and from the most commonly-used databases and applications.

Here are some of the key benefits of AWS database migration service.

•Minimal downtime: As explained, the source database is open to users during migration. Hence, migration can be simultaneously done with routine work.

•User-friendly: There is no need to install applications or additional drivers or make changes to the source database for migration. This is because AWS database migration service runs the process directly from the AWS Management Console. The complexities of data migration are handled automatically as DMS replicates the data in the source database.

•Cost-effective tool: AWS database migration service is an affordable tool for businesses as they have to pay only for the quantum of computing and storage resources used during migration without payment of any fixed charges. A large terabyte database can be migrated for only $3.

•Wide database support: Most of the widely-used databases in open-source commercial applications are supported by the AWS database migration service. This includes homogeneous and heterogeneous migration processes.

•Reliability: DMS tracks and monitors the source and target databases continually and closely during migration. Hence, corrective action is taken immediately if any issue arises during the process. If the migration is stopped for any reason, it resumes from that point as soon as the issue is resolved.

•Easy process: AWS database migration service is an easy process as it can be initiated and done through the AWS Management Console after all the parameters are defined.

AWS DMS is also used to consolidate various source databases into a single target database.

AWS database migration service supports two types of migration - Homogeneous Migration and Heterogeneous Migration.

•Homogeneous Database Migration: Both the source and the target database engines match each other. It is a one-step process as the database code, schema structure and data types of the two databases are complementary. Examples of this instance are Oracle to Amazon RDS for Oracle, MySQL to Amazon Aurora, MySQL to Amazon RDS for MySQL, or Microsoft SQL Server to Amazon RDS for SQL Server.

•Heterogeneous Database Migration: In this type of AWS database migration service, the source and target database engines are different. Since the schema structure and database code are not similar, a schema and code transformation are required before migration. Examples include Oracle to Amazon Aurora, Oracle to PostgreSQL, or Microsoft SQL Server to MySQL migrations.

AWS database migration service is used to migrate data in and out of the cloud for development purposes.