Conversion of SimpleDB to SQL Server Express database

Target database is also known as Microsoft SQLExpress, SQL Express. Related files: .mdf, .ldf, .bak

Introduction


We are using Full Convert Enterprise to convert

SimpleDB to SQL Server Express.


Full Convert Enterprise is a very powerful database converter.

It is extremely easy to use, yet provides terrific customizations when you need them.

About SimpleDB

Amazon SimpleDB is a highly available, scalable, and flexible non-relational data store that offloads the work of database administration.

About SQL Server Express

Microsoft SQL Server Express, a freely downloadable and distributable version of Microsoft's SQL Server relational database management system, comprises a database specifically targeted for embedded and smaller-scale applications.

Conversion process

Full Convert Enterprise provides easy-to-use wizard which will help you convert your data as quickly as possible.

These are all the steps you need:

  • Select source database.
  • Select target database.
  • Optionally choose which tables to convert. By default all tables are selected.
  • Convert!

First look at Full Convert


Launch the application, you'll see that only relevant actions are visible on the ribbon bar.

In the center of the application, we are showing welcome dialog with links to actions done most often on application start.


Click on the Create New Conversion button.

Database conversion wizard

Wizard guides you through conversion process quickly and easily.

Connection to source SimpleDB database

Initial screen shows you that Full Convert will automatically detect your database if you don't know which one do you have. Of course, if you do know your database, do select it from the list on the left.

  • We will choose ODBC from the list of available source databases, because SimpleDB is not supported natively at this moment. You need to have appropriate ODBC driver installed.
  • Full Convert makes it very easy to connect to any ODBC-enabled database. Just select the proper datasource from the drop-down, and type in your login credentials if needed.

Click on the Next button.

Source database connection

Connection to target SQL Server Express database

List on the left shows all the databases which can be filled with your source database data. Select the one you need and fill-in required parameters.

  • From the list of available target database engines, we'll choose SQL Server. Depending on your SQL Server setup, you will need to connect using Windows or SQL Server authentication.
  • For SQL Express, we need to specify the server\instance name, like this: servername\SQLEXPRESS
  • We have Windows authentication here, so all we need to do is select our desired database from the drop-down list.

Click on the Next button.

Target database connection

Table selection

We will select all source tables for conversion by default. In case you only need some tables, simply deselect the ones you don't need - or deselect all, then select just the tables you do need.


Click on the Next button.

Table selection

Review

Here you can see how many tables will be converted. To start conversion right away, click on the Convert! button. To show contents of target database without converting, click on the Explore button. Use that to inspect target database prior to conversion, or to save the conversion project for later before even converting the first time.


Click on the Convert! button.

Conversion project summary

Conversion progress

Conversion is highly-optimized to run as fast as possible, yet provides top-notch reliability. Huge tables are converted in small chunks at a time, preserving memory and ensuring that your computer stays fast and responsive.


Here is what Full Convert does while you sit and watch:

  • Running your custom pre-conversion SQL scripts, if any
  • Creating all selected tables in your target database
  • Copying data
  • Applying indexes
  • Applying foreign key constraints
  • Running your custom post-conversion SQL scripts, if any

SimpleDB to SQL Server Express conversion summary

Here you will see basic conversion statistics, such as number of tables and records copied to target database.


If there were any warnings or errors during conversion, you will be able to examine them in detail.

Finally, complete SQL log is available for you if you need it. This feature can be enabled in options dialog.

Conclusion

This small tutorial shows how easy it is to convert SimpleDB to SQL Server Express using Full Convert Enterprise.


If you like what you see, please purchase Full Convert at our site. Delivery is instant via email, and with 30 day money-back guarantee there is no risk in purchasing.

Also, if you want to make sure our applications fits your needs before buying, you can download free trial version.