Migrating to Oracle 8i, 9i, 10g, 11g, 12c from Other Database Formats

By Martin Williams | Published: | Updated:

Oracle is one of the world's most popular and powerful DBMS (Database Management Systems). This comprehensive guide explains how to quickly migrate data from other database formats — including SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, IBM DB2, MS Access, Firebird, Excel, and more — to Oracle databases (8i through 12c) using ESF Database Migration Toolkit.

Why Migrate to Oracle?

  • Enterprise-Grade Performance — Handle massive data volumes with Oracle's advanced optimization and indexing
  • High Availability & Security — Benefit from Oracle's robust security features and proven reliability
  • Scalability — Scale from small applications to enterprise-level systems with ease
  • Rich Feature Set — Leverage Oracle's advanced analytics, partitioning, and replication capabilities

Prerequisites

  • ESF Database Migration Toolkit installed — Download the latest version »
  • Oracle database access — Valid connection details (SID or Service Name, port, username, password)
  • Source database access — Connection credentials for your source database

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Step-by-Step Oracle Migration Guide

Step 1: Configure Source Database

Launch ESF Database Migration Toolkit and press "Next". In the "Choose a Data Source" dialog, select your source database type (e.g., MySQL, SQL Server, IBM DB2, PostgreSQL, MS Access, Firebird, etc.). Enter the correct connection details:

  • For server-based databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, DB2, etc.): Enter server, port, username, and password. Click "Refresh" to list available databases.
  • For file-based databases (MS Access, Excel, FoxPro, etc.): Click "Browse" to select the source file or folder.
MySQL source database configuration as input for Oracle migration in ESF Database Migration Toolkit
Fig. 1: Configure your source database (shown: MySQL)
MS Access source file selection for Oracle migration in ESF Database Migration Toolkit
Fig. 2: File-based source selection (shown: MS Access)

Click "Next" to continue.

Step 2: Configure Oracle as Destination

In the "Choose a Destination" dialog, select "Oracle Database". Enter the following connection information:

  • Server — Hostname or IP address of the Oracle server
  • Port — Typically 1521
  • Username — e.g., SYSTEM
  • Password — Associated password
  • Connect Method — Choose SID, Service_Name, or TNS (depends on Oracle configuration in tnsnames.ora)
  • Database — Enter the Oracle instance name (SID) or Service Name
  • Schema — Enter a new schema name or select an existing one
Oracle destination configuration dialog in ESF Database Migration Toolkit — server, port, SID, and credentials
Fig. 3: Configure Oracle as your destination database

Step 3: Select Tables & Configure Mapping

In the "Select Source Table(s) & View(s)" dialog, you'll see all available tables and views from your source database:

  • Preview source table data using the "Preview" button
  • Rename destination tables in the "Destination" column
  • Overwrite option (checking this will remove the destination database and all data!)
  • Click the "..." button in the "Transform" column for advanced options
Select tables and views for Oracle migration in ESF Database Migration Toolkit
Fig. 4: Select tables and configure migration settings

Step 4: Configure Transform Options

In the "Transform" dialog, customize your Oracle migration:

  • Copy Structure Only — Migrate only the table structure without data
  • Field Mapping — Change target Oracle field names, data types, and default values
  • Data Filter — Apply a WHERE condition (e.g., id < 100) to migrate only specific records. Leave empty or 1=1 to migrate all data
Field mapping and transform options for Oracle migration in ESF Database Migration Toolkit
Fig. 5: Customize field mapping, data types, and filters

Step 5: Execute the Migration

In the "Execution" page, click "Submit" to start the Oracle migration. Monitor the real-time progress through the detailed logs.

Oracle migration execution progress in ESF Database Migration Toolkit with real-time log monitoring
Fig. 6: Monitor the migration progress

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the migration preserve my source data?

Yes. ESF Database Migration Toolkit only reads from your source database. Your original data remains completely untouched.

Can I migrate schema objects like indexes and constraints?

Yes. The tool automates migration of table structures, indexes, primary keys, foreign keys, and default values to Oracle. Schema migration is supported between Oracle, SQL Server 2005+, and PostgreSQL.

How long does an Oracle migration take?

Migration speed depends on data volume, network connectivity, and database performance. Thanks to bulk-insert technology, large datasets with millions of records can be migrated efficiently.

What Oracle versions are supported?

ESF Database Migration Toolkit supports Oracle 8i through 12c, including Oracle 9i, 10g, 11g, and Oracle 12c. Check the features page for the latest version compatibility.

Can I migrate data from Oracle to other databases?

Yes. The tool supports bi-directional migration. You can also use it to migrate from Oracle to SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and other databases.

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