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Oracle cloud migration
Oracle cloud migration to OCI, AWS, Azure or Google Cloud
Moving Oracle to the cloud is three decisions: where it runs, how it's licensed, and how much downtime the move can take. We help you make all three with numbers, then run the migration with a rehearsed cutover and a way back.
Quick answer
How do you migrate an Oracle database to the cloud?
Migrating Oracle to the cloud takes six steps: assess databases and options in use, choose a target such as Oracle Cloud, Oracle Database@Azure, AWS or Google Cloud, Amazon RDS or cloud VMs, model licensing, pick a method that meets the downtime limit (Data Pump, RMAN, Data Guard, GoldenGate or Oracle Zero Downtime Migration), rehearse, then cut over with a fallback. Reporting workloads can move to Snowflake instead.
Where it runs
Oracle cloud targets compared
| Target | What it is | Good fit |
|---|---|---|
| Oracle Cloud (OCI) | Base Database Service, Exadata Database Service and Autonomous Database | Full Oracle feature set, RAC and Exadata performance |
| Oracle Database@Azure, @AWS, @Google Cloud | Oracle-run Exadata and Autonomous Database inside the other cloud's data centers | Oracle performance next to applications already on that cloud |
| Amazon RDS for Oracle | Managed Oracle; AWS handles backups, patching and failover | Standard workloads that don't need OS access or RAC |
| Virtual machines (EC2, Azure VMs, Compute Engine) | Oracle you install and run yourself in the cloud | Full control, custom configurations, lift and shift |
| Snowflake | Not an Oracle host: a target for reporting and analytics workloads | Data warehouses and reporting databases on Oracle |
How it moves
Migration methods and downtime
| Method | Typical downtime | When we use it |
|---|---|---|
| Data Pump export and import | Hours, grows with size | Smaller databases, version or platform changes, cleanup on the way |
| RMAN backup and restore | Hours, less with incremental roll-forward | Same-platform moves of larger databases |
| Data Guard standby, then switchover | Minutes | Production databases where the target supports a physical standby |
| GoldenGate replication | Near zero | Cross-version or cross-platform moves that cannot stop |
| Oracle Zero Downtime Migration (ZDM) | Depends on the method it drives | Moves to OCI and Oracle Database@ clouds; automates Data Guard, Data Pump and GoldenGate steps |
| AWS Database Migration Service | Minutes with change data capture | Moves into RDS, or to another engine |
Licensing
Licensing decides more of the cost than compute
Oracle licenses can be brought to the cloud (BYOL) or bought with the service where the target offers it. Oracle counts processors differently in authorized public clouds than on-premises cores, and options such as RAC, Partitioning or Advanced Security must be licensed wherever they run.
Before choosing a target, we model the license impact of each option alongside compute and storage, so the first cloud bill holds no surprises.
Questions we answer first
- Which databases move, retire or consolidate?
- Which options and packs are actually in use?
- Which applications need the database close by?
- How much downtime can each system take?
- Upgrade on the way, or move first and upgrade later?
Approach
How we run an Oracle cloud migration
Assess
Inventory databases, versions, options in use and dependencies. Size the target from AWR or Statspack data, not guesses.
Choose target and method
Pick the target per database and the migration method that meets its downtime limit.
Build and secure the landing zone
Networking, encryption, backups and monitoring in place before data arrives.
Rehearse
A full timed rehearsal with application testing and performance comparison.
Cut over with a way back
Final sync, switch, checks, and the source kept ready for fallback until you sign off.
Run and right-size
Ongoing DBA support and a cost review once real usage is known.
Oracle to Snowflake
Moving Oracle reporting workloads to Snowflake
If an Oracle database mainly feeds reports and dashboards, moving it to another Oracle host may not be the best step. As a Snowflake partner, we often move the analytics side to Snowflake and keep transactional systems on Oracle, which can cut the Oracle footprint and its licenses.
See Snowflake migration and, if you're moving off Oracle completely, Oracle to PostgreSQL.
Good candidates for Snowflake
- Oracle data warehouses and data marts
- Reporting copies of OLTP databases
- Large history tables queried by analysts
- Batch ETL that competes with daytime users
Contact us
Plan your Oracle cloud migration
Tell us what you run today and where you're thinking of moving it. A senior Oracle DBA will reply with options and a rough plan.
- A senior engineer reads every message
- Reply within one business day
- No obligation, and your details are used only to reply
Prefer the full form? Go to the contact page.
FAQ
Questions buyers ask us
What are the options for running Oracle Database in the cloud?
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure database services, Oracle Database@Azure, @AWS and @Google Cloud, managed services such as Amazon RDS for Oracle, or Oracle installed on cloud virtual machines.
How do you migrate an Oracle database to the cloud with minimal downtime?
Use a physical standby with Data Guard and switch over, or GoldenGate replication for cross-platform moves. Both keep the target in sync so the final cutover takes minutes.
What is Oracle Zero Downtime Migration?
Zero Downtime Migration (ZDM) is Oracle's free tool that automates moves to Oracle Cloud and Oracle Database@ cloud services, using Data Guard, Data Pump and GoldenGate under the hood.
Can we bring our Oracle licenses to AWS or Azure?
Yes, Oracle licenses can be used in authorized public clouds under Oracle's cloud licensing policy, which counts processors differently than on-premises. Model the license count before choosing instance sizes.
Should we upgrade Oracle before or during the cloud migration?
If the source is on 11g or 12c, combining the upgrade with the move often saves a second project. A logical method such as Data Pump or GoldenGate can do both in one cutover.
Can Oracle data warehouses move to Snowflake?
Yes. Reporting and analytics workloads often fit Snowflake better than another Oracle host, while transactional systems stay on Oracle.
Next step
Tell us what you need to build or who you need to hire.
A 30-minute call with a senior architect. You leave with a scoped plan or a role profile, whether or not you work with us.