Step-by-Step Guide to Transitioning from Azure Synapse to Microsoft Fabric DWH
Migrating to Microsoft Fabric DWH is important for updating your data storage solutions. This change has many benefits. These include better performance, saving money, and easier data integration. After you switch to Fabric, you can expect improvements like:
This migration helps you get value from data. It makes things easier for users and keeps data safe. Embrace the switch to Microsoft Fabric DWH to enjoy these benefits and more.
Key Takeaways
Look at your current Azure Synapse setup before moving. This helps you see what you have and what you need for an easy change.
Use the Microsoft Fabric Migration Assistant to make moving easier. It helps with moving metadata and makes sure everything is set up right.
Check your data transfer after moving. Count items and run sample queries to make sure your data is correct and complete.
Change your connection strings after moving. This step is very important for keeping access to your data in the new place.
Think ahead for possible problems during moving. Knowing common issues can help you fix them easily and make sure the change goes well.
Prerequisites for Migration
Before starting your move to Microsoft Fabric DWH, you need to get ready. This means checking your current setup and finding the tools you will need. Doing this will help make your transition easier.
Assess Current Environment
First, look at your current Azure Synapse setup. This check will show you what you have and what you need for the move. Here are some important things to think about:
This table gives a clear view of what to check. By knowing your current setup, you can make smart choices during the move.
Identify Required Tools
Next, you must find the tools that will help you with the move. The Microsoft Fabric Migration Assistant makes this easier. But, you should also think about if different parts will work together. Here’s a quick list of what to remember:
Knowing these points will help you get ready for the move. Also, remember to think about licensing when choosing migration tools. Here’s a quick summary:
EA customers usually have until their agreement ends to finish the move, giving some time flexibility.
Planning ahead is very important because large migrations can be complex.
Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) can help lower Fabric costs for groups with existing Azure agreements.
By checking your setup and finding the right tools, you prepare for a successful move to Microsoft Fabric DWH.
Metadata Transfer
Moving metadata is an important part of your switch to Microsoft Fabric DWH. You can make this easier by using the Migration Assistant. This tool helps you move your metadata quickly and correctly.
Using Migration Assistant
The Migration Assistant has different commands to help with metadata transfer. Here’s how it works:
Evaluate Command: This command checks your source cluster. It makes a list of items that need to be moved. You can think of it as a safety check before starting the migration.
Migrate Command: After checking, you can use this command to start the move. It sends the items to your target cluster. If you moved items before, they won’t be copied again unless you delete them from the target cluster first.
Metadata Verification: Before you go to the next steps, check your cluster setup. This step makes sure everything is correct.
By using these commands, you can make sure the metadata transfer to Microsoft Fabric DWH goes smoothly.
Validate Metadata Transfer
After you finish the migration, checking the metadata transfer is very important. This step makes sure all your data has moved correctly. Here are some tips for checking:
Check Item Counts: Look at the number of items in your source and target clusters. They should be the same.
Review Configuration Settings: Make sure all settings from the source cluster are set up right in the target cluster.
Run Sample Queries: Try a few queries to see if the data works as expected. This helps you find any problems early.
Validating your metadata transfer helps you avoid issues later. It makes sure your move to Microsoft Fabric DWH is successful and that your data stays safe.
Migration Assistant Issues
When you use the Migration Assistant, you might see some common problems. Knowing about these issues can help you fix them better.
Common Errors
Here are some common problems you might run into during the migration:
These problems can slow down your migration. Knowing them ahead of time helps you get ready and fix them quickly.
Troubleshooting Best Practices
If you have problems with the Migration Assistant, try these steps to fix them:
Ensure Proper Connection and Compatibility: Make sure your systems are connected correctly and using compatible versions.
Update Software: Check that you have the latest version of the Migration Assistant. Updates often fix bugs and make things better.
Reset Settings: If problems keep happening, think about resetting your settings to default. This can fix conflicts from earlier setups.
Review Logs: Look at the migration logs for specific error messages. These logs give helpful information about what went wrong.
Seek Help: If you still can't fix the issue, contact Microsoft Support. They can give expert help for your situation.
By following these best practices, you can troubleshoot and fix problems with the Migration Assistant. This smart approach helps make your move to Microsoft Fabric DWH easier.
Data Transfer to Microsoft Fabric DWH
Moving data to Microsoft Fabric DWH has different ways to do it. You can pick the method that works best for you. Here are the main ways to transfer data:
Data Transfer Methods
Staging Phase: First, take data from the dedicated SQL pool and put it into Azure Data Lake Storage (ADLS). This step gets your data ready for the next part.
Ingestion Phase: Move the data from ADLS into the Fabric Warehouse. This makes sure your data is set for analysis.
Using Copy Activity for Fact Tables with Partition Option: This way helps speed things up by breaking tables into smaller pieces. You can send many transfer requests at once, which makes it faster.
Migration with CETAS (Create External Table As Select): Use CETAS commands to change tables into Parquet files. Save these files directly to ADLS Gen2 for better storage.
Using dbt (data build tool): Manage and change your data to make it work with Fabric Warehouse. This tool helps make your data workflows easier.
To move your data successfully, follow these steps:
Prepare the Data Lake: Make an Azure Data Lake Storage (ADLS Gen2) container to keep your data.
Extract the Data: Use CETAS commands in Synapse SQL to change tables into Parquet datasets.
Align Schemas: Change the database schema from Synapse to T-SQL scripts that work with Fabric.
Ingest Data into Fabric: Use COPY commands or Azure Data Factory pipelines to load the Parquet datasets into Fabric tables.
Ensure Data Integrity
Keeping data accurate during migration is very important. You want to keep your data correct and consistent all through the process. Here are some ways to help you do this:
Detailed Planning and Assessment: Look closely at your current setup. Set clear goals for the migration to guide your work.
Data Mapping and Transformation: Create a clear plan for moving data correctly. Set mappings and fix any quality problems before starting the transfer.
Incremental Migration Approach: Move data in smaller groups. Check each group before moving on to catch any issues early.
Testing and Validation: Do thorough testing to make sure the moved data is correct and complete. This helps you find any mistakes.
Monitoring and Optimization: Keep an eye on the migration process. Make changes as needed to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Also, think about these security steps during data transfer:
Data Encryption: Microsoft Fabric uses encryption during data transfer and storage to protect sensitive information.
Identity and Access Management: Working with Azure Active Directory makes sure only allowed users can access data, which lowers insider threats.
Compliance and Governance: Built-in tools help follow rules like GDPR and HIPAA during data ingestion.
Data Validation and Auditing: Features that check incoming data and track actions during ingestion help keep data accurate and compliant.
By using these methods and techniques, you can make sure your data transfer to Microsoft Fabric DWH is successful while keeping your data safe.
Rerouting Connections
After you move to Microsoft Fabric DWH, you must change your connections. This means updating connection strings and testing them to make sure everything works well.
Update Connection Strings
First, update your connection strings. These strings tell your apps how to connect to the new data warehouse. Here’s how to do it:
Identify Connection Strings: Find all the connection strings in your apps. They might be in config files or environment variables.
Modify the Strings: Change the server name and database name to fit your new Microsoft Fabric DWH setup. Also, update any authentication details if needed.
Save Changes: After making the updates, save the changes to your config files or environment settings.
Updating your connection strings correctly is very important. If you miss anything, your apps might not connect to the new data warehouse.
Test Connections
Once you update the connection strings, it’s time to test them. This step makes sure your apps can talk to Microsoft Fabric DWH without problems. Here are some ways to test your connections:
Use Wireshark to watch connection attempts and see network activity.
Perform NSLOOKUP to check name resolution for the data warehouse endpoint.
Execute Test-NetConnection to see if the port connects.
Use retry logic to handle temporary connection failures well.
Run a PowerShell test script to check the connection details.
Testing your connections helps you find any problems early. If you have issues, double-check your connection strings and network settings. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth move to Microsoft Fabric DWH and keep easy access to your data.
Moving to Microsoft Fabric DWH has some important steps. First, check your current setup and find the tools you need. Next, move your metadata and data while making sure everything is correct. Lastly, update your connections so you can still access your data.
If you follow this guide carefully, you will have an easier time with the migration. After moving, pay attention to visualizing connections, moving old workloads, and saving money. These steps will help you use data analytics better and boost business growth.
For more information, look at case studies about moving from Azure Synapse to Microsoft Fabric DWH. They show how companies can gain from having one platform for data tasks and analytics.
FAQ
What is Microsoft Fabric DWH?
Microsoft Fabric DWH is a new way to store data. It works better, saves money, and makes it easier to combine data than Azure Synapse. You can use it for real-time reporting and analysis.
How do I start the migration process?
Start by checking your current Azure Synapse setup. Find the tools you will need, like the Migration Assistant, and plan how you will move your metadata and data.
What are common issues during migration?
Common problems include failures in moving metadata and errors in T-SQL scripts. You might also have issues with moving security objects. Knowing these can help you fix problems better.
How can I ensure data integrity during migration?
To keep your data accurate, plan your migration well. Use data mapping, move data in smaller groups, and test thoroughly to check that your data is correct.
Can I revert back to Azure Synapse after migrating?
You can go back to Azure Synapse, but it can be tricky. You should have a rollback plan ready before starting the migration to prevent losing data or having downtime.