Top 5 database migration tools in 2023

Database migration remains an ever-present phenomenon, as organizations routinely turn to this practice for a multitude of reasons. Yet, the question persists: What precisely is database migration? Among the array of database migration tools available, which excel in this task? What unique features and benefits do they offer?

This article will address all the basic queries on database migration along with the Top Database Migration Tools that are available in the market. We will be discussing the key features of these best database migration tools in detail for a deeper understanding of the topic.

What is database migration?

Database migration refers to the process of transferring data and other components from one version or type of a database system to another. It is commonly done to upgrade the database system, move to a different platform, or make structural changes to the database schema. Database migrations are a crucial part of maintaining and evolving database systems while minimizing downtime and ensuring data integrity.

Here are some common scenarios where database migration might occur:

1. Database modernization. Legacy databases often pose a number of issues. Database modernization offers a promising solution to alleviate the challenges posed by legacy databases within organizations. The streamlined maintenance and support of modern systems, coupled with a larger pool of experts, lead to reduced downtime and more efficient issue resolution. In essence, database modernization empowers organizations with the agility, security, scalability, and analytical prowess required to thrive in today's data-driven landscape.
2. Schema Migration. This type of migration involves changes to the structure of the database. It includes modifying tables, adding or removing columns, changing data types, altering indexes, and adjusting constraints. Schema migration is often necessary when upgrading to a new version of the database management system or when optimizing the database structure.
3. Data Migration. Data migration focuses on moving data from one database to another. This can include transferring data from an old system to a new one, consolidating data from multiple sources, or migrating data to a different storage format. Data migration requires careful planning to ensure that data is accurately transferred and transformed while maintaining data integrity. Apart from the tools designed specifically for data migration, most of the database migration tools can handle data migration as well. The best ones will be reviewed later in the article.
4. Platform Change. Organizations may migrate databases from one platform to another, such as from on-premises servers to cloud-based services or from one cloud provider to another.
5. Application Migration. When an application is moved from one environment to another, such as from development to production, the database associated with that application might need to be migrated to reflect the changes.
6. Database Consolidation. In cases when organizations have multiple databases serving different purposes, they might decide to consolidate these databases into a single system to improve efficiency and management.

In the context of applications, the term "database migration" typically encompasses one of three distinct scenarios:

• Migration between source and target databases, characterized by the same Database Management System (DBMS) and structural configuration. This migration may occur either as a singular event or on a recurring basis.
• Migration within an unchanged DBMS environment, albeit with substantial disparities in the schema. Such migrations are generally conducted on a one-time basis.
• Transition to an alternative DBMS while preserving the structure. Migrations of this nature are typically carried out on a one-time basis.

What are database migration tools?

Database migration tools are software solutions designed to facilitate the process of transferring data, schema, and other database components from one system to another. These tools aim to simplify the complex task of migrating databases while ensuring data integrity, minimizing downtime, and reducing the risk of errors. Database migration tools come in various forms, and offer a range of features to assist in different migration scenarios.
It’s not a secret that database migration is a multifaceted process that involves moving data and schema from one environment to another, often to accommodate system upgrades, adopt new technologies, or improve performance. However, this seemingly straightforward task is riddled with complexities that can challenge even the most seasoned IT professionals. Mismatched data types, varying database structures, data loss risks, and the need for minimal downtime are just a few of the hurdles migration projects face. To navigate these challenges effectively, choosing the right database migration tool is paramount. A plethora of database conversion tools exists, each tailored to specific migration scenarios, database types, and user expertise levels. In the following list, we explore some of the standout database migration tools that provide migration between different relational database management systems and that have earned their stripes in ensuring seamless transitions.

5 best database migration tools

1. Ispirer Toolkit Ispirer Toolkit is a software that enables you to migrate your database from an outdated RDBMS to a modern one. With this toolkit you can migrate the entire database schema, business logic, and data to a modern platform. The best part of this database migration tool is that it automates the migration project, achieving up to 95% of automating SQL code conversion. With more than 25 supported dbs, including popular databases like Oracle, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL, the Toolkit provides the flexibility needed for diverse migration projects. A 30-day free trial is available.

Key features:

• Migration of database schema
• Customizable Conversion Rules
• SQL and Procedural Code Conversion
• Migration of stored procedures, triggers, tables, indexes, functions, views, SQL scripts, queries from one RDBMS to another
• Using queries to migrate data
• Support of LOB data type
• Migration to Cloud (GCP, AWS, Azure, etc.)
• Resolving conflicts of reserved words and identifiers
• Global data type mapping
• Local data type mapping
• Object name mapping
• Possibility to test query in the tool
• Selective Migration
• Multiple concurrent migration processes
• Graphical User Interface and Command-Line Interface

When it comes to the intricate task of database conversion, the Ispirer Toolkit stands as a beacon of efficiency and precision. Let's explore the pros of this tool:

• Automation. Ispirer Toolkit boasts robust automation capabilities, drastically reducing the need for manual intervention. This ensures speedier and more accurate database migration, saving valuable time and resources. For example, the database migration speed reaches 97 GB/h for some destinations.
• Customization at its core. Offering a customizable approach to data transformation, Ispirer Toolkit empowers users to tailor the conversion process to their specific requirements. This flexibility is crucial when adapting data structures and business logic to the new environment.
• Data integrity assurance. Ensuring the accuracy and security of migrated data is a priority, and Ispirer Toolkit delivers on this front. Its data validation features work diligently to maintain the integrity of data throughout the migration journey.
• User-friendly interface. The Toolkit's intuitive user interface streamlines the database conversion workflow. Its simplicity encourages collaboration among team members, enhancing overall productivity.
• Migration to cloud. Ispirer Toolkit automates the entire cloud migration process, while transferring to Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, AWS Cloud.

Cons:

• A free demo license is only available for certain migration directions.
• Multiple concurrent migration process are available only for certain databases.

Pricing
Ispirer Toolkit is available under a project-based license. You'll only pay for what you need for your migration project, based on its size and complexity. Unlike fixed prices in other database migration tools, this approach saves your budget. With Ispirer Toolkit, you'll get a cost-effective and flexible solution that fits your requirements perfectly. The pricing starts at $295.

2.Flyway is an open-source database migration tool that simplifies the process of managing and executing changes in database schemas. It ensures a structured, version-controlled approach to migrations, making it easier to track, apply, and collaborate on database changes.

Key features:

• CLI interface
• 22 supported databases
• Supports Java + JVM
• Database GitOps
• Docker support
• Detailed logging
• SQL code conversion
• Sync schema
• Manual Rollback

Pros:

• Version Control. Flyway enforces a structured approach to database migrations, assigning unique version numbers to each migration script. This ensures changes are applied in the correct order, preventing conflicts and inconsistencies.
• Ease of Use. With a straightforward command-line interface and minimal configuration, Flyway is user-friendly and easy to integrate into existing workflows.
• Flexibility in Scripting. Flyway supports multiple scripting languages, including SQL, JavaScript, and Groovy. This flexibility allows developers to use their preferred language for migration scripts.
• Database Agnostic. The tool is compatible with a wide range of databases, making it suitable for projects that involve different database technologies.
• Configuration Management. Flyway's configuration files enable easy customization of migration settings, making it adaptable to various project requirements

Cons:
Limited GUI. Flyway primarily relies on the command-line interface, which might be a drawback for users who prefer graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

Pricing
Along with the open-source plan, Flyway provides two more options for enterprises and teams with extended functions.

3.AWS Schema Conversion Tool is a powerful utility designed to facilitate database migration from one database engine to another, particularly when transitioning to Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud-based solutions. This database migration tool streamlines the migration process by automating the conversion of database schemas, code, and data, allowing organizations to modernize their infrastructure while maintaining data integrity and minimizing downtime. Schema conversion tool supports migrations between various database engines, including Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MariaDB.
It allows you to migrate on-premises databases to AWS cloud-based services, such as Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service) or Amazon Aurora.
Here is an overview of the tool's key features:

• Automatically converts schema definitions, data types, constraints, and indexes
• Converts SQL code, including stored procedures, functions, and triggers, to the syntax compatible with the target database engine
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• Batch Processing
• Cloud integration
• Logging and reporting
• Customization

Pros:

• Comprehensive Databases Support. It supports migration between various database engines, making it suitable for a range of migration scenarios.
• Assessment and Recommendations. This database conversion tool provides an assessment of the source database and offers recommendations for addressing potential migration challenges.
• Cloud Integration. AWS Schema Conversion tool seamlessly integrates with AWS services like Amazon RDS and Amazon Aurora, simplifying the deployment of migrated databases in the cloud.
• Graphical User Interface (GUI). The user-friendly GUI makes it easier to manage migration projects, track progress, and execute tasks.

Cons:

• Manual adjustments. The migration process, especially for complex databases or applications, might require additional manual intervention beyond automated conversion.
• Unsupported Features. Some features of the source database might not have direct equivalents in the target database engine, requiring manual adjustments.
• Version Dependencies. Compatibility with the latest database engine versions or new features might not be immediate, requiring updates to the tool.
• Data Transformation. Complex data transformations might need manual verification and handling to ensure accuracy.
• Support. Considering the fact that AWS SCT is the biggest tools

Pricing
AWS Schema Conversion Tool is an open-source tool.

4.Full Convert is a comprehensive and user-friendly database migration tool designed to simplify the process of migrating data between different database systems. It provides a graphical interface that allows users to easily configure and perform database migrations while ensuring data integrity and accuracy. Full Convert supports a wide range of source and target databases, making it suitable for various migration scenarios.

Features:

• Conversion of tables, indexes, foreign keys
• Data migration
• Data Mapping
• Schema Customization
• Automated Mapping
• Data Validation
• Logging and Reporting
• Batch Conversion

Pros of Full Convert:

• Multi-Platform Support. Full Convert supports a wide range of database platforms and works for different migration scenarios.
• Ease of Use. This database conversion tool offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the migration process, allowing users to navigate tasks with minimal technical expertise.
• Data Synchronization. Full Convert can perform bidirectional data synchronization between source and target databases, ensuring data consistency.
• Customizable Mapping. It provides the ability to customize data type mappings and transformations, accommodating specific needs during migration.
• Selective Migration. Full Convert allows you to choose specific tables, columns, and data subsets for migration, optimizing the migration process.
• Automation. The database migration tool supports command-line execution and can be integrated into batch processes, automating repetitive migration tasks.
• Data Preview. Users can preview data transformations before performing the migration, ensuring accuracy and reducing potential errors.

Cons:

• Complex Projects. For highly complex databases with intricate relationships or customized code, considerable manual intervention may be considerable after migration.
• Lack of Cloud Integration. Full Convert might lack direct integration with cloud-based databases or services, requiring additional steps for cloud migrations.

Pricing
Full Convert pricing ranges from $99 to $10k.

5.SQLines SQL Converter is a high performance database conversion tool that supports major enterprise databases, including Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and others. The tool provides a command-line interface to help you automate and customize data transfer tasks.

Key features:

• Migration of database schema (DDL)
• Migration of views, stored procedures, triggers, packages, functions, DML statements
• Capability to use SQLines Data in ETL processes as a data extract-load tool
• Migration of SQL queries, SQL scripts

Pros:

• Diverse Database Support. This database conversion tool supports a wide range of database systems and SQL dialects, making it suitable for projects involving different database technologies.
• Batch Conversion. SQLines supports batch processing, enabling the conversion of multiple scripts or files in one go, which can be a time-saver for larger projects.

Cons:

• Data migration requires purchasing another tool.
• Limited Handling of Complex Queries. SQL conversion can be complex, especially when dealing with advanced SQL features or complex queries. The tool might not handle all scenarios perfectly, leading to manual intervention and adjustments after the conversion.
• Manual Review and Adjustments. While SQL conversion tools aim to automate the process, there's often a need for manual review and adjustments to ensure the converted code is correct, efficient, and aligned with the target database's requirements.
• Lack of Customization. This database conversion tool's default conversion rules might not cover all the specific requirements of your migration project. If the tool lacks customization options, you might need to work around its limitations.

Pricing
There are several pricing plans for SQLines. The licensing starts with $295. Package of SQLines SQL Converter tool and SQLines Data License is $495.

Closing word

In conclusion, database migration is essential for any organization looking to upgrade or replace its systems, consolidate multiple systems, move to the cloud, meet regulatory requirements, and improve data security and access.
In this blog, we've discussed the best database conversion tools list of 2023, including Ispirer Toolkit, Flyway, AWS SCT, Full Convert, and SQLines. Each tool offers unique features and capabilities, and it's essential for businesses to research and compare them to find the best one for their specific needs. Some of them are free database migration tools, some of them are commercial products, however it is up to each customer to choose between cost savings or conversion quality. Database migration can be challenging, but organizations can make the process as smooth and efficient as possible with the right tools and strategies. We hope this blog helps you make the correct decision and simplify your database migrations with the right tool.