Migration & analytics integration
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) vs Azure Database Migration Service
AWS Database Migration Service maps to Azure Database Migration Service.
AWS DMS is a general replication engine with many sources and targets, plus Schema Conversion for engine changes. Azure DMS focuses on migrations to Azure SQL targets and Azure Database for MySQL, while other engines use their own tools (such as the PostgreSQL migration service in flexible server).
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) | Azure Database Migration Service |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | Managed one-time and continuous (CDC) database replication between many sources and targets, plus DMS Schema Conversion for converting schemas and code to RDS for MySQL or PostgreSQL targets. | Managed online and offline migrations to Azure SQL Database, SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure VMs, and migrations to Azure Database for MySQL (including MySQL 8.4). Check the current scenario matrix. |
| Pricing model | Per replication instance-hour (or DCU-hour for DMS Serverless) plus storage. Schema Conversion has no charge for the feature itself. | The Standard tier is free. Premium is billed per vCore-hour, with a free period for new instances. |
| Docs | AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) docs | Azure Database Migration Service docs |
| Pricing page | AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) pricing | Azure Database Migration Service pricing |
| Exams | SAA-C03 SAP-C02 Retiring | DP-300 AZ-305 |
Key differences
- Scope. AWS DMS supports homogeneous and heterogeneous migrations, ongoing CDC replication, and DMS Serverless. Azure DMS supports online and offline migrations to Azure SQL, Managed Instance, SQL Server on VMs, and MySQL. Check its scenario matrix for others.
- Schema conversion. AWS has DMS Schema Conversion (and the Schema Conversion Tool). Microsoft uses SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) for Oracle, Db2, and other sources to SQL.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Per replication instance-hour (or DCU-hour for DMS Serverless) plus storage. Schema Conversion has no charge for the feature itself. AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) pricing →
- Azure
- The Standard tier is free. Premium is billed per vCore-hour, with a free period for new instances. Azure Database Migration Service pricing →
Certification exam mapping
| Exam | Provider | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate SAA-C03 | AWS | Associate | current Italian version retires after Dec 31, 2026. |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional SAP-C02 | AWS | Professional | retiring Being updated to SAP-C03. Registration for SAP-C03 opens Oct 27, 2026. Last day to take SAP-C02 is Nov 16, 2026. |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 | Azure | Associate | current English version will be updated on Oct 27, 2026. |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-305 | Azure | Expert | current English version updated Apr 17, 2026. |
Relevance is based on each exam's published scope, not a line-by-line objective match. Check the official study guide.
Verification notes
- Azure DMS supported scenarios change often. Check the current scenario matrix before relying on a source and target pair.
FAQ
What is the Azure equivalent of AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)?
AWS Database Migration Service maps to Azure Database Migration Service. AWS DMS is a general replication engine with many sources and targets, plus Schema Conversion for engine changes. Azure DMS focuses on migrations to Azure SQL targets and Azure Database for MySQL, while other engines use their own tools (such as the PostgreSQL migration service in flexible server).
How does pricing compare between AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) and Azure Database Migration Service?
AWS: Per replication instance-hour (or DCU-hour for DMS Serverless) plus storage. Schema Conversion has no charge for the feature itself. Azure: The Standard tier is free. Premium is billed per vCore-hour, with a free period for new instances. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03); AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (SAP-C02) [retiring]; Microsoft Certified – Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300); Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305).