Migrating from Synapse Dedicated SQL Pool to Fabric using SQL Tran and Omni Loader

With the evolution of data platforms, many organizations are looking to migrate from Azure Synapse Dedicated SQL Pool to Microsoft Fabric to take advantage of its unified analytics capabilities. Microsoft provides tools like SQL Tran and Omni Loader to simplify this migration process. In this blog, we will explore how these tools help in migrating data efficiently.

Why Migrate to Fabric?

Microsoft Fabric is a next-generation data analytics platform that integrates data engineering, data science, real-time analytics, and business intelligence into a single unified solution. Some key benefits include:

· Unified Data Platform: Combines multiple workloads (data lake, warehousing, analytics, and governance) into one platform.

· Lakehouse Architecture: Supports a flexible OneLake storage model for seamless data access.

· Optimized Performance: Improves data processing speed with Direct Lake mode and Delta Lake support.

· Cost Efficiency: Eliminates the need for separate compute clusters, reducing infrastructure costs.

Key Tools for Migration

To ensure a smooth transition, Microsoft provides SQL Tran and Omni Loader, which automate schema conversion and data movement.

1. SQL Tran (SQL Translation Tool)

SQL Tran is a tool designed to analyze and convert SQL objects from Synapse Dedicated SQL Pool to Fabric SQL Endpoint.

Capabilities:

· Converts T-SQL scripts, including views, stored procedures, functions, and indexes.

· Provides detailed compatibility reports to identify syntax issues.

· Supports automatic conversion of schema definitions and data types.

How to Use SQL Tran?

1. Install SQL Tran using Azure CLI or download it from Microsoft’s official repository.

2. Run the tool against your Synapse SQL Pool to analyze and generate migration reports.

3. Apply necessary modifications based on compatibility insights.

4. Execute the converted SQL scripts in Fabric’s SQL Analytics Endpoint.

2. Omni Loader

Omni Loader is a high-speed data movement tool that facilitates the transfer of large datasets from Synapse to Fabric.

Capabilities:

· Supports bulk data extraction from Synapse tables.

· Loads data into OneLake Delta Tables with high throughput.

· Ensures minimal downtime during migration.

How to Use Omni Loader?

1. Configure source and target connections (Synapse SQL Pool → Fabric OneLake Delta Table).

2. Run the extraction process to dump data into Parquet format.

3. Load the Parquet files into Fabric using Omni Loader’s high-speed ingestion capabilities.

4. Verify data consistency using Fabric’s Lakehouse and SQL Analytics tools.

Step-by-Step Migration Process

1. Assessment:

o Use SQL Tran to generate a compatibility report.

o Identify incompatible SQL features and make necessary modifications.

2. Schema Migration:

o Convert Synapse schema to Fabric schema using SQL Tran.

o Apply necessary constraints and indexing strategies in Fabric.

3. Data Migration:

o Use Omni Loader to extract and transfer data in an optimized manner.

o Validate data consistency post-migration.

4. Testing & Validation:

o Run queries on Fabric to compare performance with Synapse.

o Ensure business reports and dashboards function correctly.

5. Go Live & Optimize:

o Decommission Synapse Dedicated SQL Pool post-validation.

o Optimize Fabric workloads for cost and performance efficiency.

Conclusion

Migrating from Synapse Dedicated SQL Pool to Microsoft Fabric can unlock new levels of scalability, performance, and cost efficiency. By leveraging SQL Tran for schema conversion and Omni Loader for high-speed data transfer, organizations can ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption.

If you’re planning a migration, start by assessing your current Synapse workloads, test Fabric’s capabilities, and gradually move your data and applications to this unified analytics platform.