A practical, technical guide to migrating Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL workloads to AWS with minimal downtime.
Databases are the hardest part of most cloud migrations. They hold the data the business runs on, they rarely tolerate downtime, and a mistake can be very hard to reverse. The tooling behind AWS Database Migration Services Saudi Arabia teams rely on is built to make this safer, moving Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL workloads to AWS while keeping the business running. This guide takes a practical look at how database migration works, the core tools involved, the choices you face, and how to keep downtime to a minimum.
The Core Tools: DMS and the Schema Conversion Tool
Two AWS tools do most of the heavy lifting. The AWS Database Migration Service, usually shortened to DMS, moves data from a source database to a target while the source stays available throughout. Alongside it sits the AWS Schema Conversion Tool, known as SCT, which adapts database schemas, stored procedures, and application code when you move from one engine to another. Between them they solve the two hard problems of any migration:
· Converting the schema, stored procedures, and code to the target engine, which is the job of SCT
· Moving the data reliably, including the changes that happen mid migration, which is the job of DMS
On newer projects this schema conversion capability is also available directly inside DMS, as DMS Schema Conversion, so teams can assess and convert a schema without running a separate desktop tool. Either way the principle is the same: convert the structure with SCT, then move the data with DMS. A good migration usually starts with an SCT assessment report, which flags exactly which objects convert automatically and which need manual attention before any data moves.
Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Migrations
Migrations fall into two broad types. A homogeneous migration keeps the same engine, for example a SQL Server migration to AWS that lands on Amazon RDS for SQL Server, or a self managed MySQL database moving to Amazon RDS or Aurora MySQL. These are relatively straightforward because the schema does not change. A heterogeneous migration changes engine, such as Oracle to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL, which needs schema conversion with SCT and more thorough testing. Knowing which type you face early shapes the effort, timeline, and risk of the whole project.
Moving Oracle Workloads
An Oracle to AWS migration is one of the most common and most valuable moves, often driven by licensing cost. Teams typically choose between staying on Oracle using Amazon RDS for Oracle, or moving to an open source compatible engine such as Aurora PostgreSQL. The second path reduces licensing but requires converting schema and application code, which is where SCT and careful testing earn their place. A phased approach, converting and validating the schema first, then running a proof of concept before the full migration, keeps a large Oracle move from turning into a surprise late in the project.
Keeping Downtime to a Minimum
The biggest fear in any database move is downtime. Modern practice keeps it small through a proven sequence, which is why database migration in Riyadh projects increasingly follow the same disciplined pattern:
· Perform a full load of existing data into the target
· Use change data capture to keep the target in sync with the source as new changes arrive
· Validate that data matches on both sides before committing
· Cut over during a short, planned window with a rollback ready
Because change data capture keeps replicating right up to the cutover, the source stays live almost until the final switch, which is what turns a nerve wracking outage into a short, controlled window.
Data Residency and Compliance in the Kingdom
Where the data lands matters as much as how it moves. AWS has announced an infrastructure Region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on track to launch by December 2026, which will help organizations keep sensitive data in country. That means planning AWS database migration across Saudi Arabia now includes residency and compliance from the start, rather than as a late addition. You can plan the wider move through a structured cloud migration approach that treats data location as a first class decision.
For the technical detail, the official AWS Database Migration Service documentation covers supported engines, replication setup, and change data capture in depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AWS Database Migration Service?
AWS Database Migration Service, or DMS, is a managed service that moves data from a source database to a target on AWS while the source remains available. It supports migrations that keep the same engine and those that change engine, and it can keep the target in sync until you are ready to cut over, which keeps downtime short.
How do you migrate a database to AWS with minimal downtime?
The proven method is to load existing data first, then use change data capture to replicate ongoing changes so the target stays current. After validating that both sides match, you cut over during a short planned window with a rollback prepared. This keeps the source live almost until the final switch, minimizing disruption.
What does the Schema Conversion Tool do?
The AWS Schema Conversion Tool, or SCT, converts database schemas, stored procedures, and application code from a source engine to a target engine, which is essential for heterogeneous migrations such as Oracle to Aurora PostgreSQL. It produces an assessment report showing what converts automatically and what needs manual work, so teams can size the effort before migrating.
Can you migrate from Oracle to an open source database?
Yes. Many teams move from Oracle to an open source compatible engine such as Aurora PostgreSQL to reduce licensing cost. It requires converting the schema and application code, which SCT assists with, followed by thorough testing. The payoff is lower long term cost and less lock in.
Is database migration risky?
It carries risk, but disciplined process controls it. Full load with change data capture, careful validation, a planned cutover, and a rollback plan turn a daunting move into a managed one. Most incidents come from skipping testing or rushing the cutover, both of which good planning avoids.
Move the Data, Keep the Business Running
A database migration does not have to be a leap of faith. With the right core tools, a clear choice between keeping or changing engines, and a disciplined approach to downtime, moving Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL workloads becomes a controlled project rather than a gamble. That is the real promise behind AWS Database Migration Services Saudi Arabia businesses depend on.
As an AWS Premier Tier Partner with a regional office in Riyadh, SUDO Consultants helps organizations in the Kingdom migrate databases to AWS safely. To discuss your workloads, you can reach the team at reach@sudoconsultants.com.
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