AWS Migration Tools Compared: DMS vs SMS vs CloudEndure
- Nitin Yadav
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A SquareOps expert comparison of AWS DMS, SMS, and CloudEndure to help teams choose the right migration tool based on workload type, downtime, and scale
- aws database migration service, aws dms vs cloudendure, aws dms vs sms vs cloudendure, aws migration tool comparison, aws migration tools, aws migration tools 2025, aws server migration service, cloudendure migration
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AWS cloud migration has become a critical priority for SaaS companies, enterprises, FinTech, healthcare, and fast-scaling digital businesses. But while planning, architecture, and testing are important, one decision has the greatest impact on downtime, data integrity, and migration speed:
Choosing the right AWS migration tool.
AWS offers multiple services – DMS, SMS, and CloudEndure – each designed for different migration needs. Some tools specialize in database replication, others in server migration, and some provide near-zero downtime for large-scale rehosting. The challenge is that many organizations select the wrong tool, leading to:
- Unexpected downtime during cutover
- Performance degradation after migration
- Incomplete or inconsistent data
- Failed replication
- Increased operational complexity
- Higher migration costs
The key is understanding what each tool is built for, where it excels, and where it falls short.
This guide compares AWS DMS vs SMS vs CloudEndure in-depth, helping you choose the best fit for your migration project whether you’re moving databases, VMs, microservices, or entire data centers.
Next, let’s understand what AWS migration tools actually are and how they fit into a modern cloud migration strategy.
What Are AWS Migration Tools?
AWS migration tools are a set of native and partner services designed to help organizations move applications, databases, and servers from on-premises or other cloud platforms into AWS with minimal disruption. These tools automate the heavy lifting involved in data transfer, VM replication, dependency mapping, cutover execution, and post-migration validation.
Modern AWS migrations require more than manually copying workloads. They demand:
- Continuous replication
- Change data capture (CDC) for databases
- Automated server transformation
- Minimal downtime cutovers
- Accurate data consistency checks
- Tracking migration progress across multiple workloads
AWS provides specialized tools because no single migration method fits all workloads.
For example:
- Databases require live replication.
- Virtual machines require image conversion and block-level copying.
- Enterprise workloads require automated orchestration.
This is why AWS offers multiple migration tools each tailored to a specific scenario. The three most widely used are DMS, SMS, and CloudEndure, which we break down next.
Overview of the Three Main AWS Migration Tools
AWS offers several migration tools, but DMS, SMS, and CloudEndure remain the most widely used because they cover the three core migration categories: databases, servers, and full-stack workloads.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
AWS DMS is a managed service designed specifically for database migration, replication, and modernization.
It supports both homogeneous (MySQL → MySQL) and heterogeneous (Oracle → PostgreSQL) migrations.
Key capabilities:
- Continuous Change Data Capture (CDC)
- Minimal downtime cutovers
- Schema conversion via AWS SCT
- Supports relational, NoSQL & data warehouses
Best for migration of production databases where uptime is critical.
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS)
AWS SMS automates the migration of on-prem or VM-based servers into Amazon EC2.
It is designed for simple lift-and-shift migrations.
Key capabilities:
- Incremental replication
- VM snapshot collection
- Automated server conversion
- Multi-server migration orchestration
Best for migrating VMware, Hyper-V, or Azure VMs to EC2.
CloudEndure Migration
CloudEndure (an AWS-acquired service) provides continuous block-level replication with near-zero downtime.
Key capabilities:
- Rapid cutover
- Continuous sync until go-live
- Automated orchestration
- Cross-OS and cross-cloud support
Best for large-scale enterprise migrations and workloads that require extremely low downtime.
Detailed Comparison - DMS vs SMS vs CloudEndure
Below is a clear breakdown of how each migration tool works, where it excels, and where it struggles.
This is the core comparison section your readers will look for.
AWS DMS (Database Migration Service)
What It Does
DMS migrates databases with continuous replication, ensuring minimal downtime during cutover. It supports relational DBs (MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server), NoSQL (MongoDB), and data warehouses.
Strengths
- Near-zero downtime with Change Data Capture (CDC)
- Supports heterogeneous database migration
- Managed service no need to manage servers
- Good for phased migration with continuous sync
- Integrates with AWS SCT for schema conversion
Limitations
- Does not convert database schemas automatically (SCT is needed)
- Not suitable for application or VM migration
- Large-scale migrations require tuning
Best For
- Production database migration
- Cross-engine modernization (Oracle → PostgreSQL)
- Keeping data synced during multi-phase cutovers
AWS SMS (Server Migration Service)
What It Does
SMS automates VM-to-EC2 migration using incremental snapshots of on-prem or cloud-hosted virtual machines.
Strengths
- Easy lift-and-shift from VMware, Hyper-V, Azure
- Automates replication cycles
- Supports multi-server migration workflows
- No agent installation required
Limitations
- Not suitable for modern/container workloads
- Limited automation compared to CloudEndure
- No continuous replication after cutover
Best For
- Simple VM migrations
- Legacy servers that don’t need major modernization
- Small-to-medium lift-and-shift projects
CloudEndure Migration
What It Does
CloudEndure performs continuous, block-level replication of entire machines (OS + applications + data). It allows near-zero downtime migrations and highly automated cutovers.
Strengths
- Extremely low downtime (minutes)
- Replicates full servers – not just data
- Supports any OS, hypervisor, or cloud
- Automated orchestration & rollback
- Great for large-scale migrations
Limitations
- Higher cost than DMS/SMS
- Might be overkill for small migrations
- Requires network access to replication servers
Best For
- Large enterprise migrations
- Environments needing near-zero downtime
- Rehosting entire data centers
- Multi-tier and mission-critical workloads
Feature-by-Feature Comparison Chart
Below is a side-by-side comparison of AWS DMS vs AWS SMS vs CloudEndure, focusing on the factors companies care about most during migration.
| Feature / Capability | AWS DMS | AWS SMS | CloudEndure Migration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Migration Type | Databases | Virtual Machines (VMs) | Full Servers (OS + Application + Data) |
| Replication Method | Change Data Capture (CDC) | Incremental VM snapshots | Continuous block-level replication |
| Downtime Impact | Low (minutes) | Medium (manual cutover required) | Near-zero (seconds to minutes) |
| Best For | Database modernization & live sync | Simple lift-and-shift VM migrations | Large-scale, low-downtime migrations |
| Supported Platforms | SQL, NoSQL, Data Warehouses | VMware, Hyper-V, Azure VMs | Any OS, any hypervisor, any cloud |
| Automation Level | Medium | Medium | High (orchestration + automated rollback) |
| Data Consistency | Strong (CDC tracking) | Good | Very strong (block-level replication) |
| Cutover Experience | Planned database failover | Manual or scripted cutover | Fully automated, orchestrated cutover |
| Scale Handling | Medium | Medium | Excellent (enterprise-grade scale) |
| Cost Consideration | Low to moderate | Low | Higher (enterprise-focused) |
| Ideal Use Case | Live production database migration | VM lift-and-shift | Entire data center or mission-critical apps |
This table makes it clear:
- DMS = best for databases
- SMS = best for simple VMs
- CloudEndure = best for large, complex workloads that require near-zero downtime
When to Use Which Tool?
Choosing the right migration tool isn’t about popularity – it’s about matching the workload type, downtime tolerance, and migration complexity. Here’s the simplest decision-making guide to determine whether you should use DMS, SMS, or CloudEndure.
Use AWS DMS When…
- You’re migrating databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server).
- You need continuous replication during migration.
- Downtime must be minimal (live sync + quick cutover).
- You’re performing heterogeneous migrations (e.g., Oracle → PostgreSQL).
Perfect for: SaaS platforms, FinTech apps, transactional systems, analytics workloads.
Use AWS SMS When…
- You’re migrating virtual machines from VMware, Hyper-V, or Azure.
- You want a simple lift-and-shift method.
- Your servers don’t require deep modernization.
- You’re handling small or mid-size server migrations.
Perfect for: Monolithic apps, staging environments, legacy VMs.
Use CloudEndure When…
- You need near-zero downtime migration.
- You’re migrating entire applications, not just DBs or VMs.
- Workloads are large, distributed, or mission-critical.
- You want automated cutovers and rollback.
Perfect for: Enterprises, data centers, multi-tier apps, high-traffic systems.
Additional AWS Migration Tools You Should Know
While DMS, SMS, and CloudEndure are the core migration tools most companies rely on, AWS provides several additional services that support discovery, data transfer, orchestration, and modernization. These tools often play a crucial role in simplifying complex migrations.
AWS Migration Hub
A centralized dashboard to track all migration activities across DMS, SMS, CloudEndure, and third-party tools.
AWS Application Discovery Service
Automatically identifies server metadata, running processes, network flows, and dependencies critical for planning migration waves.
AWS DataSync
Fast, secure, automated data transfer between on-prem and AWS. Ideal for migrating file servers or large unstructured data.
AWS Snow Family (Snowcone, Snowball, Snowmobile)
Used when internet-based transfer is too slow or impractical. Perfect for petabyte-scale migrations.
AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT)
Helps convert database schemas when performing heterogeneous migrations (e.g., Oracle → PostgreSQL).
These supporting tools help fill gaps around discovery, data movement, and modernization—ensuring fewer surprises during migration.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Migration Tool
Even with multiple AWS migration tools available, many organizations still choose the wrong one leading to downtime, inconsistent data, failed replications, and higher migration costs. Here are the most common mistakes teams make:
1. Using DMS for Full Application Migration
DMS is only for databases. It cannot migrate applications, servers, or OS-level components.
2. Using SMS for Large, High-Availability Workloads
SMS is not built for mission-critical systems. It lacks continuous replication and automated cutover features.
3. Avoiding CloudEndure Because of Cost
CloudEndure may seem expensive, but for businesses needing near-zero downtime, it’s often the only reliable choice.
4. Not Testing Replication or Cutover Before Go-Live
Skipping dry runs guarantees surprises. Always run multiple test migrations
5. Ignoring Data Consistency Requirements
Not all tools maintain CDC or block-level consistency. Choose based on RPO needs.
6. Overlooking Network Requirements
CloudEndure and DMS both require stable replication bandwidth.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures smooth, predictable, and secure migration outcomes.
Why SquareOps Uses a Hybrid Tooling Approach
AWS migration is never a one-size-fits-all project. Each workload – databases, VMs, file servers, microservices – requires a different migration path. That’s why SquareOps follows a hybrid tooling approach, selecting the right combination of AWS tools to match the workload’s complexity, downtime requirements, and business priorities.
1. Right Tool for the Right Workload
- DMS for transactional databases and CDC
- CloudEndure for full-stack, low-downtime migrations
- SMS for simple VM lift-and-shift
- DataSync / Snowball for large data transfers
2. Zero-Downtime Focus for Production Workloads
SquareOps specializes in migration strategies where downtime must be minimized using:
- Continuous replication
- Blue/green cutovers
- Automated rollback plans
- Phased migration waves
3. Cloud-Native Modernization
Instead of simply moving workloads “as is,” SquareOps helps clients:
- Refactor databases
- Containerize applications
- Adopt CI/CD
- Implement IaC (Terraform/CDK)
4. Migration Governance & Security
IAM, encryption, VPC design, tagging, compliance, and monitoring are built from day one.
SquareOps ensures migrations are not only seamless – but also modern, secure, and optimized for AWS.
Final Summary - Choosing the Right AWS Migration Tool Matters
AWS offers several powerful migration tools, but each one serves a very specific purpose.
AWS DMS is ideal for continuous database replication.
AWS SMS works well for simple VM lift-and-shift.
CloudEndure delivers the lowest downtime for complex, enterprise-scale workloads.
Selecting the wrong tool can lead to downtime, data inconsistency, broken applications, or slow cutovers. Choosing the right tool – and pairing it with the right migration strategy – is the key to a smooth, predictable AWS migration.
In most real-world projects, a single tool is not enough. That’s why successful enterprises rely on hybrid migration workflows, combining DMS, CloudEndure, DataSync, Snowball, and IaC automation to ensure reliability, security, and speed.
If you’re planning a migration in 2025, don’t risk performance issues or unexpected downtime. Work with a team that has executed migrations across SaaS platforms, FinTech workloads, healthcare systems, and global enterprise infrastructures.
Move to AWS with Confidence - Partner with SquareOps
SquareOps provides:
- Zero-downtime migration strategies
- Hybrid tool selection (DMS, CloudEndure, SMS, etc.)
- IaC-based AWS Landing Zones
- Security & compliance-ready architectures
- Post-migration cost optimization
- SRE-led 24×7 support
Request a Free AWS Migration Assessment from SquareOps
and get expert guidance on the right tools, strategy, and roadmap for your workload.
Frequently asked questions
AWS DMS migrates databases, SMS migrates virtual machines, and CloudEndure migrates full servers with near-zero downtime.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) is best for migrating databases with continuous replication and minimal downtime.
AWS SMS works for simple VM lift-and-shift projects but is not ideal for large, mission-critical workloads.
CloudEndure is best for large-scale or mission-critical migrations where near-zero downtime is required
No, AWS DMS only migrates databases and does not handle applications or server operating systems.
Yes, CloudEndure provides continuous block-level replication and automated cutovers with minimal downtime.
Yes, most real-world migrations use a hybrid approach combining DMS, CloudEndure, SMS, and DataSync
Using the wrong tool for the workload type, such as using DMS for full application migration.
Choose based on workload type, downtime tolerance, data consistency needs, and migration scale.
SquareOps selects and combines the right AWS migration tools to deliver secure, low-downtime, cost-efficient migrations.
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