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Migration for SQL Server

A BACPAC file packages a SQL Server database's schema and data into one portable file, which makes it a straightforward way to move a database onto FPT Database Engine. You export from the source instance with SQL Server Management Studio, then import into the target.

Prerequisites​

  • SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) installed, with access to both the source and target instances.
  • A target SQL Server cluster on FPT Database Engine in Running status. See Create a database.
  • Network access from your machine to the target cluster. See Connect to database with Floating IP.
  • Enough local disk space for the exported BACPAC file.

Export a BACPAC from the source database​

  1. Connect to the source SQL instance in SSMS and expand Databases in Object Explorer.

  2. Right-click the source database and select Tasks → Export Data-tier Application.

    Object Explorer with the Export Data-tier Application option selected

    The wizard opens on an introduction page summarizing the steps.

    Export Data-tier Application wizard introduction page

  3. Click Next.

    Export settings page of the wizard

  4. Choose where to save the BACPAC file. A local disk directory works.

    Export settings page with a local disk directory selected

  5. Review what gets exported. By default the wizard extracts every schema and table, including data.

    Advanced tab listing database objects grouped by schema

    To narrow the export, open the Advanced tab and clear the objects you want to leave behind. Objects are grouped by schema, such as dbo. Leave everything selected to migrate the full database.

  6. Click Next and review the summary.

    Summary page showing the export configuration

  7. Click Finish. The wizard reports progress for each step.

    Export progress showing each step succeeded

  8. Check the output directory for the .bacpac file.

    File explorer showing the exported BACPAC file

Import the BACPAC into the target​

Copy the BACPAC file to a machine that can reach the target instance, then import it.

note

The import always creates a new database. You cannot import a BACPAC into an existing one, so plan the target name before you start.

  1. Right-click the connected target instance and select Import Data-tier Application.

    Object Explorer with the Import Data-tier Application option selected

  2. Click Next.

    Import Data-tier Application wizard introduction page

  3. Select the BACPAC file to import.

    Import settings page with the BACPAC file selected

  4. Enter the new database name, and adjust the data and log file paths if the instance defaults do not suit you.

    New database settings with name and file paths

  5. Review the summary page.

    Summary page showing the import configuration

  6. Click Finish.

    Import progress showing each step

    The wizard creates the database, imports schema and data, disables indexes, inserts the data, then re-enables the indexes.

    Import completed successfully

  7. Refresh Object Explorer to see the restored database.

Next steps​