Migrate Your MariaDB Data to SQL Azure – Effortlessly!

By Martin Williams | Published: April 26, 2026 | Updated: May 20, 2026

This clear guide demonstrates how to transfer your data from MariaDB to SQL Azure efficiently using ESF Database Migration Toolkit.

Execute a step-by-step, reliable migration process.
Simplify complex data transfers with an intuitive tool.
Save significant time and effort with automation.
Modernize your data infrastructure with ease.

Prerequisite:

Software Required:
ESF Database Migration Toolkit »
System Supported:
- Windows 7 or higher.
- MariaDB 5.1 or higher.
- SQL Azure.

Step by Step Wizard:

Configure MariaDB Data Source

Fig. 1: MariaDB data source configuration
- In the "Choose a Data Source" dialog:
  - Select "MariaDB"
- Enter server details:
  - Server name: localhost (default)
  - Port: 3306 (default)
- Provide authentication:
  - Username: root (default)
  - Associated password
- Database selection:
  - Click the Refresh button to load available databases
  - Select target database from the list
Configure SQL Azure Data Destination

Fig. 2: SQL Azure data destination configuration
- Prerequisite:
  - Enable access in Azure server's "Firewalls and virtual networks" page
  - Add your client IP to the firewall rules
- In the "Choose a Destination" dialog:
  - Select "SQL Azure"
- Enter server details:
  - Server name: e.g., esf.database.windows.net
  - Port: 1433 (default)
- Provide authentication credentials:
  - Username and password
- Database selection:
  - Click Refresh Database to load databases
  - Select target database
- Schema selection:
  - Click Refresh Schema to load schemas
  - Choose existing schema (dbo schema is default)
In "Select Source Table(s) & View(s)" Dialog
- Select migration objects: Choose tables or views to include in the migration.
  
  Fig. 3: Select tables and views
- Modify table structure: Click the ellipsis (...) button to access table options and schema adjustments.
  
  Fig. 4: Do transform
- Configure field mapping: In the Field Mapping options:
  - Customize destination fields (name, data type, default value, comments)
  - Select data transfer method:
    - Overwrite Table (replace existing data)
    - Empty Data (truncate before insert)
    - Append Data (add to existing data)
    - Skip Table (exclude from transfer)
  - Apply data filters before transfer
Execution Dialog

Fig. 5: Execute migration
- Start migration: Click "Submit" to initiate automated data transfer from MariaDB to SQL Azure.
- Monitor progress: Click "Browse Log" for real-time migration tracking, including issue resolution details.
- Save configuration: Click "Save as job" to store settings for:
  - Quick reloads of migration jobs
  - Command-line execution (use: dmtc.exe --help for parameter options)
Migration Completed

Congratulations! Your data migration from MariaDB to SQL Azure has finished successfully. This toolkit generates a comprehensive report for verifying migration accuracy. You can monitor progress as the automated process runs efficiently. For any questions or feedback, contact us – our team is ready to assist.