Migration opportunities with Ispirer
Ispirer Ecosystem automates your migration routine to enable quick and smart transformation of any database. Double the migration speed with our comprehensive solutions.
With Ispirer Toolkit only
With Ispirer Toolkit as a part of migration service
Our modernization and migration approach
We select the right conversion approach based on business specifics, project scope, complexity, and risk profile.
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Rule-Based
Deterministic conversion
Engine
SQLWays, CodeWays
Automation & coverage
~70–80% automated coverage out of the box, with the option to reach up to 90% through manual refinement, refactoring, validation, and QA
What you get
Predictable scope and timeline, stable and repeatable output
Best for
Well-defined, structured migrations
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Recommended
Hybrid
Rules + AI-assisted refinement
Engine
SQLWays, CodeWays + AI
Automation & coverage
~70–80% automated coverage, up to 90% with AI, reducing manual conversion, validation, and testing
What you get
Predictability of the rule-based engine + speed of AI, backed by the Ispirer expert framework
Best for
Complex or partially undocumented systems
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AI-Driven
AI-led analysis and delivery
Engine
AI engine
Automation & coverage
AI-led code and business logic extraction by Ispirer Migration Experts
What you get
AI-assisted refactoring, code generation and documentation, human-led QA, insights into undocumented logic and target design
Best for
Iterative modernization and innovation-driven transformation
The approach is defined during the Discovery Phase, based on business specifics, source system complexity, target state, timeline, and expected business value.
Ispirer Ecosystem for automated migration
Ispirer Toolkit is a solution for automated heterogeneous database migration. Using it, you can transfer tables and data, stored procedures, functions, packages, views, and triggers. This solution is based on an intelligent proprietary algorithm that analyzes data types, relationships between objects, reserved words, and code structures that do not have equivalents in a target technology.
AI-powered SQLWays
Ispirer Systems is an ISO/IEC 27001 certified organization. We adhere to the highest international standards of information security.
Migrate Smarter. Evolve Faster
Over 150 migration directions- PostgreSQL
- Oracle
- AlloyDB
- SQL Server
- Informix
- MySQL
- DB2
- MariaDB
- Sybase ASE
- PostgreSQL
- Oracle
- AlloyDB
- SQL Server
- Informix
- MySQL
- DB2
- MariaDB
- Sybase ASE
- MSSQL
- COBOL
- Azure
- Progress 4GL
- SAP
- PowerBulder
- .NET
- Delphi
- MSSQL
- COBOL
- Azure
- Progress 4GL
- SAP
- PowerBulder
- .NET
- Delphi
Designed for continuity
Every old system carries years of decisions inside it, some good, some made under pressure nobody remembers anymore. My team's job is to understand that history well enough to carry forward what actually works, instead of throwing it out and starting over. That's what I find genuinely interesting about this work: nothing gets lost just because it's old, it either keeps running or turns into something better.
CTO, Ispirer Systems
Cloud migration software
Ispirer Toolkit facilitates seamless database migration to both on-premises and cloud environments. This includes Microsoft SQL Server to PostgreSQL migration, with full support for Google Cloud SQL, Amazon RDS, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, and Azure Database.
Gooole Cloud
Take advantage of the Google Cloud Database Modernization Program
AWS
Discover our tool-driven methodology to move your data infrastructure to AWS
Oracle Cloud
Unlock a streamlined path to modernize databases on Oracle Cloud
Azure
Modernize your systems on Microsoft Azure with seamless migration
Migration details overview
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Ispirer Toolkit automates
![Ispirer Toolkit automates icon]()
Ispirer Toolkit automates the entire migration of database objects from SQL Server to PostgreSQL
Both conversion with connection to the source database, as well as conversion of files containing Transact-SQL scripts are possible. The first option is most recommended, as the tool will get all the required information about object dependences directly from the database. Ispirer Toolkit can migrate the following objects: tables and data, views, functions, procedures, triggers, sequences and user-defined types. As a result, each separate database object is converted to its equivalent in PostgreSQL.
If you have your own applications, the Embedded SQL and Database APIs can be converted using either Ispirer Toolkit or Ispirer Service. They will be able to work with your new PostgreSQL database.
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Table and Data Conversion
![Table and Data Conversion icon]()
Ispirer Toolkit converts tables with all related objects
Indexes, referential integrity constraints, and data are migrated to the target PostgreSQL database. All SQL Server native data types are converted to the PostgreSQL equivalents.
If necessary, the user can change the default settings of data type mapping.
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Procedure, Function and Trigger Conversion
![SQL objects icon]()
SQL objects
Transact-SQL user procedures and functions are converted to stored procedures and functions written in PostgreSQL syntax, depending on the version of the target database.
![Triggers icon]()
Ispirer Toolkit automatically migrates SQL Server triggers to the trigger function, and the trigger itself to the PostgreSQL database
SQL Server trigger logic is moved to the trigger function as well. The tool then generates a trigger that calls this trigger function.
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Built-in Functions and Procedures Conversion
![Built-in Functions and Procedures icon]()
Transact-SQL built-in functions and procedures are converted to their equivalents in PostgreSQL
If there is none, the tool will try to convert the functions to PL/PgSQL expressions. They will emulate the same behavior or generate a user-defined function that will work the same way as in the SQL Server database.
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Working with User-Defined Types
![User-Defined Types icon]()
Ispirer Toolkit supports conversion of user-defined type to its equivalent in the PostgreSQL database
According to the type and its usage, it may be converted to a user, native type, or to a PostgreSQL table. Then a set of user-defined functions is generated. This allows to work with values in such tables.
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Alias Conversion
![Alias Conversion icon]()
Ispirer SQL Server to PostgreSQL converter replaces synonyms to the original object names
Moreover, if the SQL Server database has synonyms only for tables, Ispirer Toolkit can convert them to views by setting the appropriate option.
Move your migration project to the next level. Migrate logic from database to application
Ispirer has a solution to unlock the full potential of your database. Our team helps you to move business logic to an application layer seamlessly to advance the database performance.
Source Database
- SQL Server
ODBC
Files With Business Logic SQL Code
- SQL Server
Seamless integration, limitless possibilities!
Application Target Code
- Java
- JDBC
- Spring
- Hibernate
Unlock agility: shift your database logic to the application layer!
Transform faster, scale smarter—see how moving from database to application layer drives real results. Let’s modernize it together.
Migration demo
Check out how Ispirer Toolkit migrates databases efficiently, minimizing the need for manual corrections
SQL Server to PostgreSQL migration service overview
More than 2K users use this way to
successfully convert their database
Start
Assessment
- Obtaining access
- Project discussion
- Making migration plan
- Creating SOW
Migration
- DB schema conversion
- Data migration testing
- Data integrity testing
- APP changes: API, ESQL, logic shift to APP layer
Manual review & corrections
- Manual corrections
- Internal testing
Functional testing
- Creating snapshots with data
- Testing APP and DB on snapshots
- Fixing all logical issues
Performance testing
- Performance testing
- Converted code review
- Code refactoring
- Extra code optimization
Data migration
- Prod data migration
Cutover
- Switching DB and APP
- Providing user access
- System startup
Microsoft SQL Server to PostgreSQL Migration Challenges and How Ispirer Toolkit Overcomes Them
| Aspect | MS SQL Server | PostgreSQL | Ispirer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing | Enterprise, Workgroup, Express, free Dev/Innovator-C tiers | Enterprise, Standard, CAL model, free Dev/Express | Provides project-based or time-boxed licenses; automates up to 95% of code conversion, cutting manual hours and licensing costs for alternate tools |
| Ownership | Microsoft SQL Server is entirely proprietary software owned by Microsoft Corporation | Open source project maintained by PostgreSQL Global Development Group | Ispirer LLC |
| SQL Language | Uses Transact-SQL (T-SQL) with Sybase-specific extensions to ANSI SQL standard; supports SQLScript structured query language and extensions used by SAP HANA | Uses Transact-SQL (T-SQL), Microsoft's proprietary extension of SQL with procedural capabilities including local variables and various support functions | Converts server-side code—procedures, triggers, functions, batches—handling Sybase constructs (@@rowcount, chained transactions) and refactoring to SQL Server equivalents automatically |
| Basic Data Types | Rich set including BSON, JSON, BIGINT, BIGSERIAL, BYTE, CHAR, DATE, DATETIME, DECIMAL, FLOAT, INTEGER, INTERVAL, MONEY, TEXT, VARCHAR, and specialized types | Includes INT, BIGINT, CHAR, VARCHAR, DATETIME, DATETIME2, DECIMAL, FLOAT, MONEY, XML, geography, geometry, and JSON; supports both structured and semi-structured data | Global & Local Data Type Mapping engines remap Sybase types (e.g., TIMESTAMP, UNIVARCHAR) to optimal SQL Server types (DATETIME2, NVARCHAR), customizable per-column or globally |
| Indexing Options | B-tree (default), clustered and non-clustered indexes; creates indexes as B-Trees with shorter B-Tree structure for clustered indexes | Clustered and non-clustered indexes, columnstore indexes, XML indexes, spatial indexes, filtered indexes, full-text indexes, and memory-optimized indexes | Re-creates indexes automatically, translating storage attributes; supports filtered indexes and drops non-supported options |
They succeeded using Ispirer Toolkit
Achieving 95% automation in PostgreSQL database migration
Project Scope
1 700 000 LoC
Project Duration
12 Months
Industry
Contingent Workforce Management
Sybase ASE to Azure SQL Database: Automated Cloud Migration for Financial Services
Project Scope
420 000 LoC
Project Duration
5 Months
Industry
Global Financial Services Provider
Power Management Company Streamlines Migration to Azure SQL Twice
Project Scope
76 tables,
15 000 LoC
Project Duration
1 month
Industry
Power Management Company
Teradata to Amazon Redshift. Ispirer Toolkit License
Project Scope
64 SQL Statements,
70 BTEQ Commands
Project Duration
2 month
Industry
Cloud Computing and Web Services Provider
6 undeniable facts to choose conversion with Ispirer
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Reduced costs
![Reduced costs icon]()
Migrating to a more efficient PostgreSQL database can lower operational costs by reducing hardware and software maintenance requirements, optimizing resource utilization, and lowering licensing fees.
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Modernization & innovation
![Modernization icon]()
Migrating to PostgreSQL can enable the adoption of new technologies and features, unlocking new business opportunities and driving innovation. It also creates room for future growth.
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Added AI precision
![AI icon]()
An AI-driven migration toolkit can automate complex tasks, reduce errors, optimize workflows, and accelerate the process, ensuring smoother transitions while minimizing costly system downtime.
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Enhanced security
![Enhanced security icon]()
Newer databases often incorporate advanced security features like encryption, access controls, and threat detection mechanisms, providing better protection against data breaches and cyberattacks.
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Legacy transformation
![Legacy transformation icon]()
Migrating legacy databases to modern systems can upgrade your database, making it easier to maintain, update, and extend in the long run. This creates a more flexible foundation for future growth.
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No need for documentation
![No documentation icon]()
We perform the migration using the source code. There is no need for detailed documentation to begin the migration as there is in development. Our tools analyze the source code and database structure automatically.
The world’s most innovative companies are building their next big thing with Ispirer
Magnit, CardinalHealth, Worldline and more have adopted SQLWays to boost their innovation life-cycle accelerate and manage their end-to-end innovation lifecycle
Oracle to PostgreSQL MS SQL Server to PostgreSQL
Migration project
50%
Migration time reduction
1.365K
Lines of SQL code
8 Tb
of data
Talent Management
"Ispirer Toolkit enabled a seamless migration of 8 TB of data and 1.36M lines of code from Oracle and SQL Server to PostgreSQL. The automation features reduced migration time by 50%, cutting costs and minimizing manual effort. The quality, precision, and support exceeded our expectations."
SQL Server to PostgreSQL
Migration project
70%
Migration time reduction
650K+
Lines of SQL code
700+ tables
of data
Healthcare Solutions
"Ispirer helped us migrate 700+ tables and 650+ stored procedures from SQL Server to PostgreSQL, reducing development time by 60%-70%. The tool efficiently handled case-sensitive issues and frequent data changes. The excellent support made the process easy, fast, and effective."
Oracle 19c to PostgreSQL
Migration project
65%
Migration time reduction
1.500K
Lines of code
8 TB
of data
Payments & Financial Services
"Ispirer Toolkit helped us migrate 1.5 million lines of complex Oracle code to PostgreSQL, overcoming unique challenges with expert support. Their team provided customized solutions for a smooth transition. This migration is a key step in our cloud strategy, and we highly recommend Ispirer's services."
Informix to Oracle
Migration project
78%
Migration time reduction
200K+
Lines of code
12 TB
of data
Governmental
"Ispirer MnMTK was crucial to our successful database migration, converting 12 TB of data and 200,000 lines of SQL code. The tool outperformed other solutions, saving us countless hours. The support team was responsive and effective—money well spent."
Firebird to PostgreSQL
Migration project
55%
Migration time reduction
25K+
Lines of SQL code
> 150 tables
per database
Manufacturing & Fleet Management
"Ispirer's Toolkit enabled the efficient migration of 150 tables and 25,000 lines of code from Firebird to PostgreSQL. The tool saved us time and reduced risks, while the Ispirer team provided excellent support throughout. Highly recommended for similar database migration projects."
Sybase to MySQL
Migration project
95%
Migration time reduction
4.000+
Stored procedures
200+
tables
IT Services
"Ispirer’s tool allowed us to automatically convert 4,000+ procedures and 200+ tables from Sybase to MySQL with 95% success, saving a lot of time. The ability to customize the tool and the excellent support made the process smooth and efficient. Highly recommended!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers. Ask questions. Connect with Ispirer support.
Want more details?
Request a consultation with our expert
What are the common challenges faced during SQL Server to PostgreSQL migration?
Yes, and they are predictable enough to plan for.
Collation and case sensitivity come first, since case insensitive comparisons need citext or functional indexes on lower(). Procedures returning several result sets become refcursors or separate calls, which changes application code as well.
On the code side, table variables become temporary tables, @@ROWCOUNT becomes GET DIAGNOSTICS, TRY/CATCH becomes EXCEPTION blocks, CROSS APPLY becomes LATERAL, and TOP becomes LIMIT. Trigger semantics also differ, because SQL Server fires triggers per statement with inserted and deleted tables while PostgreSQL fires them per row by default.
Around the database, SQL Agent jobs move to pgAgent or cron and linked servers move to foreign data wrappers. Performance testing matters as much as functional testing, since PostgreSQL ignores query hints and builds its own plans.
This is the busiest migration path in the market, and one of the products that stands out on it is Ispirer Toolkit: SQLWays for schema, SQL objects and data, CodeWays for embedded SQL when business logic sits outside the database.
Can you explain the difference between constraints in PostgreSQL and SQL Server?
Yes. Both enforce PRIMARY KEY, FOREIGN KEY, UNIQUE, CHECK, NOT NULL, and DEFAULT, but the migration-relevant differences:
Constraints rarely map one-to-one, and the ones that look identical (DEFAULT) often differ in storage. SQLWays handles common mappings, but identity/sequence and deferrable FKs are worth validating after conversion.
Are there any tools that can simplify migrating data from MSSQL to PostgreSQL without data type or collation issues?
Yes. One of the tools that stands out on the market is SQLWays by Ispirer, which transfers data together with the converted schema and T-SQL code and applies type mapping across every object. Pgloader is a free option for data only moves.
The mappings that matter during transfer are datetime and datetime2 to timestamp, uniqueidentifier to uuid, money to numeric(19,4), bit to boolean, varbinary(max) to bytea, nvarchar to varchar in a UTF8 database.
Two issues appear after the load rather than during it. Identity columns need their sequences reset to the current maximum value, otherwise the first insert fails. Collation differs, because SQL Server databases are often case insensitive while PostgreSQL is not, so unique indexes that previously accepted values differing only by case now reject duplicates and sort order changes.
Validate with row counts, column checksums and boundary values before the application switches over.
