Side by side
| dbSlice | Microsoft SSMA (as of 30/10/2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | Any pair of supported engines | Into SQL Server and Azure SQL only |
| Sources | SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, MariaDB, Firebird, SQLite, InterSystems Caché/IRIS | Access, Db2, MySQL, Oracle, SAP ASE |
| Converts procedures, functions, views | No | Yes |
| Moves data | Yes | Yes (bulk load) |
| Keeps data in sync until cutover | Upsert, insert-new, incremental jobs | Not described in Microsoft's documentation |
| Extra components | None on the servers | Extension pack and SQL Server Agent for server-side data migration |
| Mask data while copying | Yes | Check with the vendor |
| Price | From US$ 89.99 (launch price); free Store version | Free download |
When SSMA is the better choice
- You are moving into SQL Server or Azure SQL and need the code (PL/SQL, procedures, views) converted.
- A one-time move of the data is enough.
When dbSlice fits better
- The target is not SQL Server: PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle or another engine.
- The source is Firebird, SQLite, PostgreSQL or InterSystems Caché/IRIS.
- The old system stays live for weeks and the target has to catch up every night until the switch.
- You need masked copies for test environments.
- Running in production for more than six years in mission-critical environments, across multiple data centers and on-premises, with SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Aurora and InterSystems Caché/IRIS.
Using both
A common split for Oracle or MySQL to SQL Server: SSMA converts the schema and code; dbSlice moves the data and keeps SQL Server in sync with nightly jobs until cutover, with a key-by-key check before the switch.
FAQ
Does dbSlice need anything installed on SQL Server?
No. By default it only reads and writes rows.
Can dbSlice keep IDENTITY values?
Yes, with the option "Keep source IDENTITY (SQL Server, needs ALTER)", off by default.
Is there a free version?
Yes, on the Microsoft Store; writing to a target needs a Desktop or Server license.
Microsoft, SQL Server and Azure are trademarks of Microsoft. dbSlice is not affiliated with Microsoft. Competitor information comes from its public website on the date shown and may have changed.