AWS Transform MGN (formerly AWS Application Migration Service) vs Ispirer SQLWays

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.

Ispirer SQLWays automates conversion between different database systems, including schema, data, tables, stored procedures, functions, triggers, and views. Migration options include data type mapping, migration queries, conversion reports, file output, object name mapping, dependency handling, and query testing. The product supports databases on Windows, Linux, or Unix, including on-premises and cloud environments, even when source and target operating systems differ. It connects to source databases through ODBC drivers and uses native utilities for target connections. Named cloud environments include Google Cloud Platform, Amazon Aurora, and Azure SQL DB. SQLWays can use a custom AI provider or local models; its built-in AI chat can help resolve errors, refactor code, and generate documentation. AI verification compares converted results with the source, fixes issues it finds, and flags complex structures for attention. Command line mode supports scripted, repeatable or phased migrations, including multithreaded work. Ispirer says SQLWays uses read-only privileges, does not modify the original system, and does not transfer data to third parties. A 14-day trial is available, limited to 2 GB, 20 database objects, and 1,500 measured lines of code. Listed licenses include Light at $395 a month for a 1-month license and Starter at $719 as a one-time purchase for a 3-month license.