3-year cost calculator
Pre-filled for Microsoft SQL Server → Oracle Database. Adjust every figure with your own numbers.
Every figure here is an illustrative estimate, not a vendor quote. Defaults are editable starting points compiled from public information; real, binding pricing comes from the vendor or an authorized distributor. See our methodology.
How this is licensed: Oracle and SQL Server license by the vCPUs of the database server VM. Oracle applies a per-core factor and counts ALL vCPUs unless the workload runs on approved hard-partitioned or Oracle-engineered hardware; SQL Server has a 4-vCPU-per-VM minimum. Set $/vCPU to your edition and core factor.
All figures are illustrative and fully editable — adjust the cost-per-vCPU and migration inputs with your own numbers. Not guaranteed vendor pricing (defaults reviewed May 2026). For a binding quote, use the request form below to reach an authorized distributor or partner.
Quick comparison: Microsoft SQL Server vs Oracle Database
Common trade-offs teams weigh when staying on Microsoft SQL Server versus moving to Oracle Database. These are general, commonly-reported considerations — not statements of fact about any vendor — so check them against your own contract and the vendors' current terms.
- Already in production — no migration effort or risk
- Mature ecosystem with vendor support and SLAs
- Core-based licensing plus Software Assurance overhead
- Edition ceilings force costly upgrades
- Coupled to Windows Server licensing
- Ongoing per-core + software assurance cost to budget for
- Higher vendor lock-in to weigh
- Commercial option with vendor support and SLAs
- Cost model: Per-core perpetual + support
- Requires a migration (~21 weeks, high effort)
- Per-core perpetual + support cost
- Higher operational learning curve
Why teams evaluate alternatives to Microsoft SQL Server
Reasons commonly cited by users and in public industry coverage for re-evaluating Microsoft SQL Server. These are general, reported considerations — not statements of fact about Microsoft — and may not reflect your situation or the vendor's current terms. Verify against your own contract before deciding.
- Core-based licensing plus Software Assurance overhead
- Edition ceilings force costly upgrades
- Coupled to Windows Server licensing
The migration plan
Roughly 21 weeks for a mid-size estate, in six phases.
Tooling & automation
AWS DMS or native dump-and-load with a schema-conversion review; parallel-run validation before cutover.
OffVendor's wizard pre-fills these scripts with your environment — inventory export, disk/schema conversion, bulk provisioning, and validation.
Frequently asked
Is migrating from Microsoft SQL Server to Oracle Database worth it?
For most teams facing rising Microsoft SQL Server costs, yes — Oracle Database (per-core perpetual + support) typically lowers 3-year total cost of ownership, though the right answer depends on workload complexity and in-house skills. Use the calculator to model your own numbers.
How long does a Microsoft SQL Server to Oracle Database migration take?
A typical mid-size estimate is around 21 weeks across six phases — discovery, design, pilot, waved production migration, validation, and decommission. Larger or more complex estates take longer.
What tools are used to migrate from Microsoft SQL Server to Oracle Database?
AWS DMS or native dump-and-load with a schema-conversion review; parallel-run validation before cutover.