topic Re: sql server db on-premise to Azure sql db in Data Engineering

sql server db on-premise to Azure sql db

Koritala — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:27:52 GMT

Hi All,

Can any one clearly explain the approach of data migration steps from onprimisies sql server to Azure SQL DB in cloud using ms fabric?

Thanks,

Sri

Re: sql server db on-premise to Azure sql db

deborshi_nag — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:20:38 GMT

Hello Koritala

Microsoft Fabric isn’t designed as a straightforward lift-and-shift migration tool, but it serves effectively as a managed layer for data movement and transformation. The usual approach involves leveraging Fabric Data Pipelines—similar to ADF—alongside a Self-Hosted Integration Runtime (SHIR) to securely extract data from on-premises SQL Server and load it into Azure SQL Database. This is particularly well-suited for scenarios where you require selective migration of tables, data transformation, or repeatable pipeline processes, rather than migrating an entire server.

Typically, you’d start by assessing compatibility with Azure SQL DB, then pre-create the necessary schemas and tables in Azure. Data is then transferred using Copy Data activities within Fabric pipelines, supporting both full and incremental loads (using a watermark like ModifiedDate or rowversion). While Fabric manages the data movement and orchestration, it doesn’t handle stored procedures, SQL Agent jobs, or server-level objects—these need to be scripted and migrated separately.

For larger migrations or those requiring minimal downtime, it’s common practice to use Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) for the initial migration, then employ Fabric for ongoing incremental synchronisation, validation, and future data engineering needs. In essence, Fabric complements dedicated migration tools rather than replacing them.

This is the official landing page that links all supported migration paths into Fabric, including SQL-related options. It clearly positions Fabric as an analytics platform rather than a classic lift‑and‑shift database tool.

Microsoft Fabric Migration Overview - Microsoft Fabric | Microsoft Learn

Re: sql server db on-premise to Azure sql db

Shreya_Barhate — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:11:37 GMT

Hi,

For on‑prem SQL Server ➜ Azure SQL Database, Microsoft’s recommended approach is to follow the SQL Server → Azure SQL Database migration guidance and choose a method based on downtime.

Recommended Microsoft approach (end‑to‑end):

Review migration options & considerations (target selection, tools, downtime, etc.)
Microsoft Learn: Migration overview: SQL Server to Azure SQL Database
Follow the official step-by-step migration guide (includes planning, migration, sync/cutover)
Microsoft Learn: Migration guide: SQL Server to Azure SQL Database [github.com]
Migrate using Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) (official tutorial – offline migration)
Microsoft Learn: Tutorial: Migrate SQL Server to Azure SQL Database (offline) using DMS [striim.com]

If you specifically want to use Microsoft Fabric for data movement (ETL-style table copy):

Use on‑premises data gateway to connect Fabric to on‑prem SQL Server:
Microsoft Learn: Access on‑premises data sources in Data Factory for Microsoft Fabric [pl.seequality.net]
Then use Copy job / pipeline copy to move data into Azure SQL DB:
Microsoft Learn: How to create a Copy job in Data Factory (Fabric)
Microsoft Learn: Copy job supported connectors (includes Azure SQL DB)
Microsoft Learn: Set up Azure SQL Database connection in Fabric

If the solution helps, please accept it as solution.

Thanks,

Shreya

Re: sql server db on-premise to Azure sql db

v-achippa — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:13:23 GMT

Hi Koritala,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Fabric Community.

Thank you deborshi_nag and Shreya_Barhate for the prompt response.

As we haven’t heard back from you, we wanted to kindly follow up to check if the solution provided by the user's for the issue worked? or let us know if you need any further assistance.

Thanks and regards,

Anjan Kumar Chippa