AWS Data Migration Services

Database Migration Service (DMS)

Database Migration Service is AWS's primary solution for relational database migration. Key features include:

• Supports migration of relational databases to RDS, Aurora, or EC2-based databases

• Includes built-in schema conversion tool for heterogeneous migrations (different source and target database types)

• Compatible with non-relational databases like MongoDB and DynamoDB

• Enables active replication from on-premises databases to:

  • AWS databases

  • S3 buckets

  • Snowball devices

• Maintains continuous updates during migration until cutover

DMS Implementation

• Requires VPN connection to AWS cloud

• Uses replication instance to:

  • Receive data from on-premises source

  • Deliver to target database

• Alternative path using Snowball device when direct connection isn't available:

  • Data replicated to Snowball

  • Delivered to S3 bucket

  • Transferred to replication instance

  • Finally delivered to target database

DataSync

DataSync is AWS's modern solution for file system and object storage migration. Features include:

• Provides secure, automated data transfer from on-premises to AWS

• Compatible with multiple file systems:

  • SMB (Server Message Block)

  • HDFS (Hadoop Distributed File System)

  • NFS (Network File System)

• Supports migration of self-managed object storage to S3

• Can sync data to:

  • Amazon Elastic File System

  • Amazon FSx

DataSync Implementation

• Requires DataSync agent installation on-premises

• Can deliver data via:

  • Direct transfer to AWS services

  • Snowball device

  • S3 on Outposts

• Uses VPN connection to AWS cloud

Transfer Family

Transfer Family facilitates secure file transfers for specific use cases. Key features include:

• Multi-availability zone architecture

• Supports FTP and AS2 protocols

• Designed for Managed File Transfer workflows

• Automated file processing:

  • Encryption

  • Filtering

  • Tagging

  • Compression

• External user authentication for secure file transfers

Transfer Family Implementation

• Enables external user access to AWS-stored files

• Supports SFTP and FTPS protocols

• Integrates with applications using local caching and Storage Gateway

• Provides authenticated access to specific subsets of S3-stored objects

Key Takeaways

1. Database Migration Service (DMS)

   • Primary tool for database migrations

   • Handles both homogeneous and heterogeneous migrations

   • Supports migrations from on-premises and other cloud databases

2. DataSync

   • Automates file and object migration

   • Supports multiple file system types

   • Direct migration to EFS, FSx, or S3

3. Transfer Family

   • Facilitates secure file transfers

   • Supports third-party authentication

   • Enables controlled access to AWS-stored files