AWS Schema Conversion Tool vs AWS Transform MGN (formerly AWS Application Migration Service)

AWS Schema Conversion Tool (AWS SCT) converts database schemas between engines, including relational OLTP, data warehouse, and NoSQL schemas. If it cannot automate a conversion, it gives guidance for creating an equivalent schema in the target database. A project wizard estimates migration complexity for supported destinations and generates a report for comparing target options. For warehouse migrations to Amazon Redshift, it can manage data extraction agents; it can also create, run, and monitor AWS DMS endpoints and tasks. AWS SCT converts SQL embedded in C++, C#, Java, and other application code for users to review, edit, and save. Supported workload conversions include SSIS packages, Teradata workloads, and Apache Oozie workflows to specified AWS services. It is both a standalone, project-based application and a command-line tool. Planned converted schemas stay local until applied to the target. AWS SCT is free and supports 64-bit Microsoft Windows, Fedora Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. It also supports FIPS standards for connections to Amazon S3 or another AWS resource and is compliant with FedRAMP.

AWS Transform MGN automates rehosting physical, virtual, and cloud servers as native Amazon EC2 instances. It continuously replicates source-server data at the block level, converts servers for AWS, and coordinates cutover with minimal downtime. Teams can use an agentic AWS Transform workflow or manage migration steps in the MGN console, switching paths without losing progress. Sources include physical servers, VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, other on-premises infrastructure, public clouds, and migrations across AWS Regions, Availability Zones, or accounts. After launch, built-in or custom actions can configure disaster recovery, upgrade operating systems, convert licenses, or install CloudWatch Agent. Servers can be organized into applications and waves for launch, cutover, archival, and configuration operations. MGN supports x86 sources and replication volumes up to 16 TB; larger volumes are not supported. A 90-day free period covers 2,160 hours per source server when used continuously. AWS infrastructure for replication, testing, or cutover is charged separately, and continued replication is charged per hour after the free period.